Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in most cells of your body. A normal human needs a certain level of cholesterol to function properly; however, the body can usually produce this cholesterol on its own without the need for additional dietary cholesterol intake. Because cholesterol is fatty, and blood is mostly water, they do not mix well, just like oil and water. To allow cholesterol to be transported through the bloodstream, your body packages it with proteins called high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein. Understanding what normal cholesterol levels are will help you and your physician determine the lifestyle changes and therapy you need to stay healthy.
Total Cholesterol
In the United States, cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). The first number you will usually see on the results from your blood cholesterol test is total cholesterol. According to Heart, 200 mg/dl or lower total cholesterol is a normal number. Levels of 200 to 239 mg/dl are considered borderline high, and levels of 240 mg/dl and above are considered high.
High Density Lipoprotein
High density lipoprotein (HDL) is also known as "good cholesterol" because it transports cholesterol to your liver to be destroyed and removed from the body. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, having high HDL can protect you from heart disease. HDL levels of 60 mg/dl and above are considered protective against heart disease. Levels of HDL less than 40 mg/dl are considered a major risk factor for developing heart disease.
Low Density Lipoprotein
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is sometimes called "bad cholesterol" because it has been associated with increased risk of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, the optimal LDL level is 100 mg/dl or lower. Levels above 160 are considered high. However, the American Heart Association also reminds patients that each person's LDL goal is based on his risk factors and history. A person with no other risk factor for heart disease may have an LDL goal of 160 or lower, whereas a person who has coronary heart disease or diabetes will have an LDL goal of 100mg/dl or lower.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. According to the American Heart Association, high LDL combined with high triglycerides speeds up the build up of fatty deposits on the walls of your arteries. Normal triglyceride levels are less than 150 mg/dl. A level of 200 mg/dl and above is considered high.
Lifestyle Changes
To bring your cholesterol into a manageable range, you may need to implement lifestyle changes. The MayoClinic recommends quitting smoking, exercising for 30 minutes a day and cutting down on saturated fat, cholesterol and trans fat in your diet. Increasing soluble fiber in your diet, such as oatmeal and fruits, may also help lower your cholesterol. Consulting with your physician will help determine the monitoring and pharmacological help you need to have a healthy cholesterol level.
