Cholesterol levels that are out of control put you at greater risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke. It's important that you understand the information on your cholesterol reading because cholesterol comes in different forms. One type is actually good for you, so you want high levels of that particular type. Another kind is bad for you, so you want a low reading for that type.
Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body needs to function properly. It doesn't dissolve in blood, so special transporters called lipoproteins carry the cholesterol through the blood to all parts of the body. HDL and LDL are the two types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol. HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein and LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. Cholesterol is categorized according to the type of lipoprotein that carries it.
Considerations
If too much cholesterol travels through the blood, it can accumulate along the walls of the arteries and eventually harden. This restricts the flow of blood to vital organs of the body, putting you at risk for heart attack and stroke. LDL cholesterol is the type of cholesterol that clogs the arteries. HDL cholesterol carries the LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is flushed from the body. Because of these behaviors, LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol, and HDL is called "good" cholesterol.
Features
When you get your cholesterol levels checked, the report typically shows four results. One of those is your HDL cholesterol level. The others are your total cholesterol level, your LDL cholesterol level and your triglyceride level. Triglycerides are fats that the body makes. High levels of triglycerides are closely associated with high total cholesterol levels. To show your levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, the report uses the symbol mg/dL, which indicates the number of milligrams of cholesterol or triglycerides in 1 deciliter of your blood.
Your HDL Reading
Because HDL is good cholesterol, the more you have of it, the better. You want your HDL cholesterol reading to be high--60 mg/dL or above, suggests the American Heart Association. An HDL cholesterol level less than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Your Other Readings
A total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL is desirable, according to the American Heart Association. You want your LDL cholesterol level to be less than 100 mg/dL, and your triglyceride level to be less than 150 mg/dL.
