Total Cholesterol

Ideally, it is recommended to maintain a total cholesterol level below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). However, it's important to consider individual risk factors and medical history when evaluating cholesterol levels.

Elevated total cholesterol levels can be attributed to a variety of factors. These include consuming a diet that is high in saturated and trans fats, genetic predisposition, lack of physical activity, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism.

Making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a diet that promotes heart health, engaging in regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can be effective in lowering overall cholesterol levels. In cases where lifestyle modifications alone are not enough, medications may also be recommended by healthcare professionals.

While having extremely low levels of total cholesterol is not common, it can be associated with health risks. Cholesterol plays a crucial role in important bodily functions like cell membrane structure and hormone production. However, it's worth noting that these rare low levels of cholesterol are often linked to underlying medical conditions.

For adults, it is generally recommended to get your cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. However, if you have known risk factors for heart disease or a family history of high cholesterol, it's advisable to have more frequent screenings.

Your diet has a significant impact on your cholesterol levels. To lower LDL cholesterol and improve your overall cholesterol profile, it's important to reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats while increasing your fibre consumption. Opting for healthier fats can also make a positive difference.

While the cholesterol we consume from food can affect our blood cholesterol levels, it has a lesser impact compared to saturated and trans fats. It's important to note that our liver also produces cholesterol, meaning both dietary choices and genetics play a role in determining blood cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol can occur in children, often due to genetic factors or an unhealthy lifestyle. It is crucial to screen children with a family history of high cholesterol or other risk factors and encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

While natural remedies like consuming soluble fibre, plant sterols, and certain herbs like garlic can potentially help lower cholesterol, it's important to note that they should be used as complementary approaches alongside medical advice and lifestyle changes rather than replacements.

When LDL cholesterol levels are high, it can cause the arteries to develop plaque, which puts individuals at a higher risk for heart disease. To lower this risk and support heart health, it is important to decrease LDL cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy balance with HDL cholesterol.