Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is ]produced by the body and found in many foods. Some cholesterol in the body is necessary for it to function correctly. Not all forms of cholesterol are unhealthy; some actually protect against heart disease. To keep cholesterol levels healthy and balanced, certain guidelines should be met.
Total Cholesterol Guidelines
Total cholesterol counts measure low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins and triglycerides High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. The good news is that cholesterol levels can be controlled. When there is too much cholesterol in the bloodstream, it can lead to the buildup of plaque along the artery walls. This makes the blood vessels hard and narrow and restricts blood flow to the heart and brain.
The American Heart Association recommends keeping total cholesterol level lower than 200 mg/dL. When the level reaches 200 to 299 mg/dL it is considered borderline high and if it climbs to 300 mg/dL or higher the risk for heart disease is twice that of someone with a cholesterol reading of 200 mg/dL or lower.
High cholesterol can exist without causing symptoms so it is important to test it often. The AHA states that all adults age 20 or older should have a fasting lipoprotein profile test once every five years, unless there are risk factors for disease which requires more frequent testing.
LDL Guidelines
Cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood, so in order for it to move through the body it must be attached to a carrier. The two main types of carriers area low density lipoproteins, or LDL, and high density lipoproteins, or HDL.
LDLs are considered the bad kind because they carry the cholesterol to various tissues to be stored in the body, says MedlinePlus. This allows the levels to climb and for plaque to build up on the blood vessel walls.
To protect against disease, it is best to keep LDL level at less than 100 mg/dL for healthy individuals and 70 mg/dl or less for those with risk factors. LDL levels are still OK if between 100 to 129 mg/dL and 130 to 159 mg/dl is considered borderline high. High LDL levels are diagnosed once it reaches 160 to 189 mg/dL and it is considered dangerous when the level climbs to 190 mg/dL or more.
HDL Guidelines
The other carrier is high density lipoproteins, or HDL, which are considered the good kind, because they carry the cholesterol to the liver so it can be excreted from the body. The goal is to lower LDLs and raise HDLs.
At a certain level HDLs can help to protect against heart disease and MayoClinic.com suggests keeping HDL levels above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dl for women. It is best, however, if HDL levels can be raised to 60 mg/dL or higher for both men and women.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another form of fat found in the blood that can contribute to heart disease if the level gets too high, especially if other risk factors exist. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, it is best to keep triglyceride levels at 150 mg/dL or less. Once the reading reaches 150 to 199 mg/dL, it is borderline high. When it climbs to 200 to 499 mg/dL it is considered high and 500 mg/dl or higher is considered dangerous.
