Cholesterol is a necessary component of cell membranes and certain hormones and fat soluble vitamins. Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream can lead to accumulation of plaques on the walls of arteries, with potential for detrimental long term effects, such as heart attacks and stroke. Arriving at a course of treatment for high cholesterol is a process that takes into account several factors and doesn't rely simply on the cholesterol levels alone. The ratio of "good" vs "bad" cholesterol, as well as genetics and lifestyle factors are important considerations.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol represents the combination of LDL, HDL and VLDL levels. Each of these lipid categories serves a different function. Less significance is currently placed on the total cholesterol number than it previously was, as new knowledge has emerged regarding the protective effects of HDL and the presence of other risk factors, such as lipoprotein a, a subcategory of LDL that is associated with inflammation, which initiates plaque formation, according to the website The Cholesterol Scoop.
HDL
High density lipoprotein, or HDL, is regarded as the desirable and "good" form of cholesterol because of its role in attaching to excess circulating LDL particles and transporting them back to the liver, where they are broken down and made into bile salts. For this type of cholesterol, the higher the level the better, is the rule of thumb. Levels differ according to gender, and men have an average 10 mg/dL less than women due to the effects of estrogen and testosterone. The Mayo Clinic advises that optimal levels for men are above 40 mm/dL and for women, above 50 mg/dL, with 60 mg/dL and above as ideal.
LDL
Low density lipoprotein, or LDL, is manufactured in the liver and delivers cholesterol to cells throughout the body. Excess LDL cholesterol can form deposits, known as plaques, on the walls of arteries, hence its reputation as the "bad" form of cholesterol, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dL for those at risk of cardiovascular disease. A near ideal level is considered 100 to 129 mg/dL, and above 160 mg/d is high risk.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the form of fat found in food and are one of the categories of lipids that circulate in the bloodstream. The level of triglycerides in the blood represents recent dietary fat consumption. Like LDL, triglycerides are associated with atherosclerosis and lower levels are more desirable. These lipids are elevated by consumption of sugars and processed carbohydrates, according to the website The Epoch Times. Optimal levels, as reported by the Mayo Clinic, are below 150 mg/dL, with up to 199 mg/dL being borderline and anything above 200 mg/dL considered to be high risk.
Ratios
Blood cholesterol levels do not necessarily predict the development of cardiovascular disease, and as many as half of all heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol. To account for the variability the ratios of the lipid categories is taken into consideration and combined with the absolute values to create a more comprehensive picture of cholesterol status with respect to potential cardiovascular disease. The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL is best kept below 5 to 1 and the LDL to HDL ratio is best below 3.5 to 1.0, according to the website emedtv.
References
- Harvard School of Public Health: Fats and Cholesterol: Out with the Bad, In with the Good
- Mayo Clinic: Cholesterol levels: What numbers should you aim for?
- The Cholesterol Scoop: What Is The Importance Of One's Total Cholesterol Number?
- The Epoch Times: Cutting Carbs Lowers Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Wellsphere: Half Of Heart Attack Patients Normal Cholesterol
