Cholesterol is a fatty substance that travels through the bloodstream and can build up in your arteries. Cholesterol exists naturally in the body but is also ingested during meals. Cholesterol levels are measured to track higher than average LDL levels, a condition known as hypercholesterolemia. Blood tests measure total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Medications and/or a special diet may help treat and control cholesterol levels.
Function
The body needs some cholesterol to build and maintain healthy cells. Too low or too high cholesterol measurements can cause health issues. For optimal health, total cholesterol should be under 200 mg per dL. A 2003 to 2006 CDC study found the average total cholesterol for Americans to be 200 mg per dL. Borderline high cholesterol is considered between 200 and 239 mg per dL while high cholesterol is classified as 240 mg per dL or higher. According to a 2010 CDC publication, 16.3 percent of Americans currently have high cholesterol.
HDL
HDL is an abbreviation for high-density lipoprotein. HDL is also known as good cholesterol. The body uses HDL to pick up and transport extra cholesterol to the liver. According to the Mayo Clinic, men should strive for HDL levels of 40 mg per dL or above while women should be above 50 mg per dL. HDL levels of 60 mg per dL or higher are considered optimal for both men and women.
LDL
LDL is an abbreviation for low-density lipoprotein, which is more commonly known as bad cholesterol. Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream by low-density lipoproteins. Over time, LDL causes the build-up of cholesterol on the arterial wall as plaque. Plaque narrows and hardens the interior walls of your arteries. The body also produces very low-density lipoproteins called VLDL. VLDL will increase the size and fuctionability of circulating LDL. The CDC classifies LDL levels of 130 mg per dL or higher as borderline high and 160 mg per dL as high cholesterol. For those with a history of heart disease, cholesterol levels should be under 100 mg per dL.
Prevention
Physical activity and diet modification are used to control cholesterol levels. When necessary, medication is also prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels. The Mayo Clinic recommends receiving a baseline cholesterol test when you turn 20 years old. If baseline testing shows normal results, cholesterol should be retested approximately every five years.
Warning
Diets high in fat and cholesterol and a highly inactive lifestyle can increase the risk of heart disease. High LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Smoking, high blood pressure and family history of heart disease may also increase your risk of high cholesterol. High cholesterol may increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, chest pain, poor circulation and early death.
