HDL, high-density lipoprotein, and LDL, low-density lipoprotein, are two very important numbers on your blood cholesterol test results. HDL refers to the amount of "good" cholesterol in your blood, while LDL is the "bad" cholesterol. Each of these types of cholesterol works with your body in different ways, producing either positive or negative effects. Another important number on your blood test is your triglyceride level. A combination of genetics, diet and activity level can increase or decrease these important cholesterol numbers.
Cholesterol
Your liver produces approximately 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol each day. This waxy substance helps your body produce hormones and vitamins and assists in the digestion of fats. You add cholesterol to your system by eating it in the form of animal fats such as egg yolks, milk, meat and cheese. Too much cholesterol from animal sources puts you at risk of serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. When your doctor tests your total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, and triglyceride levels, the results are expressed as milligrams per deciliter, commonly written as mg/dL.
HDL
High-density lipoproteins, or HDLs, bind with cholesterol to move it out of the blood and into the liver. The cholesterol is then processed by the liver and removed from the body. The American Heart Association says you should have an HDL level of 50 mg/dL or higher if you are an adult male and 60 mg/dL or higher if you are an adult female. If your HDL numbers are below these levels, the cholesterol in your bloodstream will be trapped and could lead to narrowed and clogged arteries.
LDL
Low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs, bind to cholesterol and deliver it to the arteries. If your LDL levels are too high, cholesterol becomes wedged in the artery walls and turns into plaque. This plaque can increase until the artery is blocked or can break free as a clot. When a clot moves toward the heart or brain, you can experience heart attack or stroke. Your LDL levels should be under 130 mg/dL, according to the American Heart Association.
Triglycerides
Blood fats are called triglycerides. They are manufactured by the body when there is an excess of carbohydrates in the bloodstream. These fats float around in your blood, making it thick. Eventually, your blood cannot flow easily and arteries and veins can become thick and narrow. Your triglyceride levels should be under 150 mg/dL, according to the American Heart Association.
Considerations
Whole grains, fruits and vegetables contain no cholesterol. Foods with cholesterol all come from animal sources---beef, pork, eggs and whole-fat dairy products. Eating a vegetarian diet or one low in animal fats can keep your cholesterol levels low. Most adults can tolerate up to 250 milligrams of cholesterol each day, though less than 200 daily is the optimal amount to keep your LDL levels low.
Triglycerides are formed from excess carbohydrate ingestion. Eating a balanced diet, keeping weight down and exercising 30 to 60 minutes a day helps keep your triglycerides at a normal level.
