Although high cholesterol can lead to health risks including a heart attack or stroke, cholesterol itself is not dangerous. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that is used by all parts of the body and helps produce hormones, bile acid, and vitamin D, according to an article in The New York Times. Knowing what healthy levels of total cholesterol are can help you stay in the optimal range, below 200mg/dL.
Total Cholesterol
Cholesterol levels are recorded in milligrams per deciliter of blood, or mg/dL, in the United States. Desirable levels of total blood cholesterol are below 200 mg/dL. Borderline-high levels are between 200 and 239 mg/dL and high cholesterol is considered 240 mg/dL and above.
Levels below 200 mg/dL indicate a lower risk for coronary heart disease, while higher blood cholesterol increases your risk. According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol level can be affected by your age, gender, family health history and diet.
Low-Density Lipoprotein
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is considered "bad" cholesterol because if there is too much in your body, it can build up in your arteries, narrowing blood flow to your heart and brain. Blocked arteries can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Optimal LDL levels are below 100 mg/dL and near optimal levels are below 130 mg/dL. An LDL level above 160 mg/dL is considered high. The Mayo Clinic explains that if you have other risk factors for heart disease, your target LDL may be below 100 mg/dL. The lower your LDL level, the better.
High-Density Lipoprotein
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as the "good" cholesterol because it removes excess cholesterol and helps prevent plaque buildup in the arteries. For HDL, the higher the level the better because higher levels can indicate a lower risk for coronary heart disease.
HDL levels of 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Levels below 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL for women is considered a risk factor for heart disease.
Cholesterol Testing
Since high cholesterol does not have any symptoms, it is important to have your cholesterol tested. Cholesterol is checked through a blood test called a lipid profile that measures your cholesterol and triglycerides.
The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults age 20 or older should have a cholesterol test once every five years. Talk to your doctor about how often you should check your cholesterol, particularly if you have other risk factors for heart disease, including a family history of high cholesterol, if you smoke or if you are overweight or sedentary.
Lower Your Cholesterol
A healthy lifestyle can lower your cholesterol or maintain optimal levels. A healthy diet, regular physical activity and not smoking can all contribute to healthy cholesterol levels. In your diet, limit saturated fats, dietary cholesterol found in animal products and eliminate trans fats. Instead, choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in olive, peanut and canola oils. Consume foods packed with fiber, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables as well.
Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, which can help lower your cholesterol. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week for health benefits.
