High cholesterol is a serious condition that can result in a heart attack or strokes. It is important to monitor all three of your cholesterol scores: LDL, HDL and total cholesterol. It is important to monitor not only LDL, the "bad" cholesterol that can lead to heart disease, but also HDL, "good" cholesterol that can prevent a heart attack or stroke.
Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol comes in two different forms: LDL and HDL. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is the bad cholesterol. When LDL circulates in the blood, it gradually builds up in the walls of your arteries. Mixing with other substances, it forms plaque, a thick, hard deposit that narrows and hardens your blood vessels. If the plaque forms a clot, it can block the flow of blood to the heart or brain and cause a heart attack or stroke.
HDL is good cholesterol that can help prevent heart disease. HDL carries cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver, where it is eventually passed from the body.
Total Cholesterol
When you get a cholesterol test, both LDL and HDL are measured, along with total cholesterol. Total cholesterol measures your combined levels of HDL and LDL. Your total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL. This puts you at a lower risk for heart disease. Between 200 and 239 mg/dL is considered borderline high. Any number above 239 is high blood cholesterol, and according to the American Heart Association, makes you twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease as someone whose cholesterol is below 200.
LDL
LDL is the bad cholesterol that increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Optimal LDL levels are below 100 mg/dL. Having a number between 130 and 159 is considered borderline high, between 160 and 189 is high, and above 190 is very high.
HDL
HDL is the good cholesterol, so higher numbers are better. A good HDL level is above 60 mg/dL. Having an HDL number above 60 is good protection against heart disease. Any number below 50 for women and 40 for men is considered too low.
Lowering Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a common problem, and lifestyle changes can make a difference. Losing weight if you are overweight can help, as can altering your diet to avoid fat and cholesterol from meat and dairy, while also eating more soluble fiber. You should try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day and, if applicable, quit smoking. Medications can also help reduce your cholesterol.
