Why Do My Cholesterol Levels Matter?

Millions of Americans have high levels of cholesterol, a sticky, waxy substance that can clog arteries and interfere with circulation. 

Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol rarely causes symptoms on its own, and many people only learn they have high cholesterol levels during their annual physical or when they experience a cholesterol-related complication.

At Florida Heart, Vein, and Vascular Institute, our team helps patients manage unhealthy cholesterol levels through regular screening combined with lifestyle changes and medication when needed. 

Here, learn the basics of cholesterol and why it’s so important to keep track of your cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol 101

When you hear about cholesterol, you usually only hear the negative things about this sticky substance. But cholesterol plays several key roles in your overall health, helping your body build cells, manage hormone levels, and produce vitamin D. 

Cholesterol levels only become a problem when they’re too high or, in some cases, too low.

There are two basic types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is typically thought of as “bad” cholesterol, while HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is usually referred to as “good” cholesterol. 

Actually, your body needs both types for good health, but it needs them in proper proportions.

LDL is called “bad” cholesterol because it sticks to the inside lining of your blood vessels, interfering with circulation. By contrast, HDL helps prevent LDL from collecting inside your vessels, so it’s become known as the “good” type of cholesterol. 

Health issues usually arise when LDL levels are too high or HDL levels are too low.

The dangers of unhealthy cholesterol levels

Unhealthy levels of cholesterol — high LDL or low HDL — can affect your health in negative ways, but high LDL is the more dangerous problem. That’s because when LDL levels are high, excess cholesterol collects along the inside walls of your blood vessels. 

Over time, that can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis, narrowing and stiffening your arteries and preventing adequate blood flow to your organs and limbs. 

If a vessel becomes completely blocked, you can wind up with a heart attack or stroke. The plaque can also break free, causing problems in other parts of your body.

In addition to heart attack and stroke, high LDL levels are associated with increased risks of peripheral artery disease (PAD), kidney disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), and heart disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure.

On the other hand, low levels of HDL can also have an impact on your health. When HDL levels are low, your body can’t remove cholesterol from your blood as easily, leaving more LDL to build up in your vessels.

Keep track of your cholesterol levels

Because unhealthy cholesterol levels don’t cause any symptoms of their own, you can be developing more serious complications and not even know it. Having regular cholesterol screenings plays a critical role in staying healthy, especially as you get older.

To learn more about cholesterol management or to have your cholesterol levels measured with a simple blood test, book an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Florida Heart, Vein, and Vascular Institute in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, and Riverview, Florida, today.