Keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level is an important component of a healthy lifestyle to prevent or manage heart disease. Too much cholesterol can cause a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when there is a buildup of plaque on the walls of your arteries. This makes the arteries more narrow, making it difficult for enough blood and oxygen to get through your body, including your heart and brain. If this restriction is serious enough, it can lead to a heart attack and stroke. However, your cholesterol can be checked with a simple blood test. Once you know the results, you can take steps to prevent serious health problems.
Identification
Some cholesterol is needed by the body to function normally. Your body produces it and you can get it through the food you eat. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that travels through your bloodstream and is found in all of your body's cells. However, the Centers for Disease Control state that if the level of cholesterol in your blood gets too high (hypercholesterolemia), it can build up on the inside lining of your arteries. This makes the arteries narrow and hard, and causes disease. To help prevent this, it is important to get tested and know what your cholesterol levels are.
Types
There are different types of cholesterol. In order for cholesterol to travel through your bloodstream, it needs the help of lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol. Low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs, are considered "bad" since they help your body store excess cholesterol. The other type is high-density lipoproteins, or HDLs. This type is considered the "good" lipoprotein because it helps your body excrete excess cholesterol. In addition, substances called triglycerides, which are fats made by the body, are also part of your total cholesterol level. You should aim to keep your total cholesterol level at 200 mg/dL or lower.
High-Density Lipoprotein Levels
High levels of HDLs are considered good because, according to the American Heart Association, they protect you against heart disease. HDL levels below 40 mg/dL are associated with a higher incidence of heart disease. A level of 40 to 59 is considered healthy, while a reading of 60 mg/dL or higher has been shown to protect against heart disease.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Levels
Aim to lower your level of LDL if it is high. A reading of 190 mg/dL is considered dangerous. A level of 160 to 189 mg/dL is considered high and places you at risk for heart disease. A reading between 130 and 159 mg/dL is borderline high. One hundred to 129 is considered healthy, and a level of 100 or less is considered best.
Triglycerides
If your level of triglycerides reaches 200 mg/dL or higher, you are at a higher risk of heart problems. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends aiming for readings below 150 to reduce your risk. If your reading is 150 to 199 mg/dL, you may be diagnosed with a triglyceride level that is borderline high.
Considerations
It is important to have your cholesterol tested, as you can have high cholesterol and not have any signs or symptoms. There are many options including lifestyle changes and medications that can bring your cholesterol levels down to a healthier level.
