Cholesterol has turned into somewhat of a dirty word in the society, but the truth is your body needs cholesterol and it can be found in all your body's cells. When cholesterol levels are too high, it increases your risk for coronary artery disease and suffering a heart attack or stroke. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends that people 20 and older get their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years.
LDL Levels
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is sometimes referred to as the "bad cholesterol" in your body. LDL is the main culprit when cholesterol builds up in your arteries, causing dangerous blockage, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. The optimal LDL level is 100 mg/dL or less. Readings between 160 mg/dL and 189 mg/dL are considered high, and readings above 190 mg/dL are very high, the NHLBI reports.
HDL
High-density lipoprotein, referred to as HDL and often called "good cholesterol" is beneficial in your body because it can prevent the LDL from building up in your arteries, according to the American Heart Association. You want a high reading for this good cholesterol, with readings of 60 mg/dL or greater considered sufficient to protect you against heart disease, the American Heart Association reports. In men, readings of less than 40 mg/dL put you at risk for heart disease. For women, the heart disease risk is present with readings of less than 50 mg/dL.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides -- a type of fat normally present in your blood -- can also cause trouble when levels are too high, MayoClinic.com reports. Ideally, your triglyceride levels should be less than 150 mg/dL, according to the American Heart Association. Readings between 200 mg/dL and 499 mg/dL are considered high, with readings in excess of 500 mg/dL considered very high. Triglyceride levels higher than 150 mg/dL increase your risk for metabolic syndrome, which means you are more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.
Total Cholesterol Levels
When you have a cholesterol test done, the results with show your LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels as well as a total blood cholesterol level. Your total cholesterol level combines your LDL and HDL levels. To lower your risk of heart disease, you should aim for a total cholesterol level less than 200 mg/dL. Total cholesterol levels between 200 mg/dL and 239 mg/dL are considered borderline high; readings of 240 mg/dL meet the definition of high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association.
Risk Factors
Many factors can affect whether your cholesterol level is normal or high enough that it puts you at risk for coronary heart disease. Some factors are not in your control, such as a genetic predisposition. Many, though, are things you can do something about. Smoking, obesity, eating a diet high in cholesterol and not getting enough exercise all make you more likely to have a high cholesterol level, MayoClinic.com reports. That's why your doctor is likely to tell you to make some lifestyle changes -- healthier diet, quit smoking, more exercise -- if you are diagnosed with elevated cholesterol levels. Prescription drugs are also available, but many people are able to lower their levels simply by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
