Understanding your cholesterol numbers can be confusing. After a health assessment, you are probably given a report stating your body mass index number, systolic and diastolic blood pressure numbers, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), cholesterol ratio and total cholesterol numbers. Even after your doctor has explained the meaning of the numbers and which ones you want to be high and which should be lower, it is easy to forget what it all means. However, maintaining a healthy cholesterol is important to minimize your risk of developing chronic diseases, especially atherosclerosis and heart disease.
LDL Cholesterol
High levels of LDL cholesterol in the human body can lead to atherosclerosis, a serious health disease. As LDL cholesterol circulates in the body, excess amounts can build up as plaque along the lining of arteries causing the arteries to harden. If a clot forms in the body, it may get stuck in a narrowed artery, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.
HDL Cholesterol
While most individuals worry about lowering their cholesterol, not all cholesterol is bad. The human body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to produce healthy cells. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as the good cholesterol. It plays a critical role in reducing LDL cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol circulates in the blood and scavenges LDL cholesterol and returns it to the liver where it is released from the body. Maintaining healthy levels of HDL cholesterol are important for preventing arteries from getting clogged due to LDL cholesterol levels.
Total Cholesterol
Your total cholesterol is made up of both your LDL and HDL cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, a desirable total cholesterol level is <200 mg/dL. This level puts individuals at a lower risk for coronary heart disease. As this levels goes up, the risk elevates as well. Individuals with total cholesterol levels >240 mg/dL have twice the risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to someone whose level is <200 mg/dL.
Lowering LDL Cholesterol
Lowering your LDL cholesterol may be done without prescription drugs. Lifestyle changes that may help lower high cholesterol include losing weight, eating heart-healthy foods, exercising, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol in only moderate amounts, according to MayoClinic.com.
Raising HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol levels may also rise from similar lifestyle factors that will lower LDL. Quitting smoking, exercising, losing weight, choosing healthy fats and drinking in moderation will help raise HDL cholesterol. Eating nuts, fish, flax seed oil and other foods containing monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids will help raise HDL cholesterol levels.
