What Is Cholesterol?
There are two types of cholesterol. The good kind is called HDL, and the bad kind is called LDL. Your body uses this waxy substance to build cells, make hormones, and digest fatty foods. However, but your liver makes enough of the right kind to suffice. The harmful kind clogs the arteries leading to your heart and brain.
Why Should You Check Your Cholesterol Levels?
Unfortunately, cholesterol doesn’t have any visible symptoms, so it’s so important to have your levels regularly checked. This is especially the case if you are overweight or in an ‘at-risk’ category. Since high cholesterol is easy to acquire from certain unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as eating fatty foods and smoking, it’s recommended that adults over the age of twenty have their cholesterol checked every five years.
It Can Affect Your Lifestyle
Cholesterol usually builds up in someone’s system as a result of lifestyle choices. Perhaps they eat foods high in cholesterol, such as beef, poultry, and full-fat dairy – they may also smoke. Over time, these habits will increase your cholesterol and, therefore, your risks of getting heart complications and strokes. Don’t wait for the doctor to advise you on quitting unhealthy habits; improve your lifestyle now by switching to fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Control Your Cholesterol
Individuals should have their cholesterol checked every five years or so. Your doctor will tell you what your levels are and suggest lifestyle tips to help you improve them. It’s important that you listen to your doctor’s advice and do what your can to improve your heart health. Additionally, monitoring your cholesterol levels will provide you with more energy for living and a longer life expectancy.
Final Thoughts
We hope you were able to better understand why controlling your cholesterol is important! If you need a PCP that can help you control your cholesterol, you have come to the right place! PCP For Life is here to help you on your way to living a better and healthier life! Our primary care physicians are ready to care for you, and we are ready to take care of all your medical needs! To learn more about what we can do for your or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 281-370-7272.
