Cholesterol is a fatty substance obtained from food and produced by the body. It is necessary for building new cells and plays an important role in many cell functions including the production of hormones. The total cholesterol blood level is the sum of several subtypes of cholesterol, which are associated with both increased and decreased risks of developing coronary heart disease.
Lipid Profile
Cholesterol blood levels are commonly measured as part of a lipid profile to assess the risk of developing coronary heart disease. A lipid profile typically measures high-density lipoprotein or HDL, low-density lipoprotein or LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides, according to the Merck Manual. The total cholesterol is the sum of the HDL, LDL and additional lower level lipoproteins. LDL and total cholesterol levels tend to increase with age, and can be significantly affected by diet. Total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL are considered desirable.
Low-Density Lipoprotein
LDL, also known as the "bad" cholesterol, is the most important value for calculating risk of heart disease, according to Lab Tests Online. The higher the LDL level is, the greater the risk, especially if there are other major risk factors for heart disease such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, fatty diet or family history of heart disease. Desirable LDL levels are less than 130 mg/dL, the ideal less than 100 mg/dL. Even lower levels may be recommended if a person has two or more major risk factors.
Improving LDL Levels
Lower LDL levels correlate with a lower risk of heart disease, and LDL is most commonly used to monitor the impact of treatment. Losing weight, quitting smoking, increasing physical activity and decreasing saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet can all contribute to improved LDL levels. If the desired LDL level is still not reached, lipid-lowering drugs such as statins may be prescribed.
High-Density Lipoprotein
HDL is also known as the "good" cholesterol, because it helps clear excess fats from the bloodstream and higher levels correlate with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, according to Lab Tests Online. HDL levels above 60 mg/dL are best, and indicate a below average risk of developing heart disease. HDL levels less than 40 mg/dL in men or 50 mg/dL in women are associated with increased risk of heart disease. Many labs also report the value of total cholesterol divided by HDL. An ideal cholesterol to HDL ratio is less than 3.5, but any result less than 5 is considered desirable.
Improving HDL Levels
Lifestyle changes that lower LDL levels can also raise HDL levels, as discussed by MayoClinic.com. Regular exercise can raise HDL blood levels up to 5 percent, and quitting smoking by as much as 10 percent. Every 6 pounds of excess weight lost may increase HDL levels approximately 1 mg/dL. A low-fat diet and moderate alcohol use can also help raise HDL levels.
