When people think about cholesterol they usually think about HDL and LDL cholesterol. HDL and LDL are actually cholesterol carrying lipoproteins according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. The levels of HDL and LDL can be determined through blood tests. Based on the results of the tests, various forms of treatment and lifestyle modifications may need to be made by the individual. It is generally accepted that a high concentration of HDL and a low total cholesterol number are desirable outcomes for a cholesterol test.
Types of Lipoproteins
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, state that lipoproteins are particles that carry cholesterol in the blood and there are two types that are of importance. These types are HDL and LDL. The UMMC states the LDL cholesterol is responsible for transporting about 75 percent of the blood's cholesterol to the body's cells including artery walls. HDL on the other hand carries cholesterol to the liver where it is removed from the body. Since HDL removes cholesterol, it is considered "good" cholesterol and LDL is considered "bad" cholesterol because it does not remove cholesterol from the blood.
Cholesterol Numbers
The CDC states that simple blood tests can determine blood cholesterol numbers. These blood tests measures several kinds of cholesterol as well as triglycerides. The measurements include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. Total cholesterol should fall below 200 mg/dL for an ideal reading and HDL levels should be 40 mg/dL or higher to be optimal. LDL levels should be lower than 100 mg/dL and triglycerides should be below 150 mg/dL.
Significance
The results of the cholesterol test are significant because high levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease. The UMMC states that high levels of HDL may be nearly as protective for the heart as low levels of LDL.
Considerations
HDL helps keep arteries open and reduces the risk for heart attack and LDL can cause plaque to build up in the arteries. Therefore, it is important to make lifestyle choices that lower LDL and raise HDL. The National Library of Medicine state that cholesterol levels can be lowered by exercising and eating fruits and vegetables. The American Heart Association states that cholesterol comes from two sources. Cholesterol is naturally made by the body and is also found in food. The American Heart Association reports that the liver makes about 75 percent of the blood cholesterol and the other 25 percent comes from foods high in saturated fat from animal products.
Expert Insight
Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day most days of the week and heating a healthy diet are great lifestyle choices to make that increase health and prevent disease. These same choices can keep cholesterol numbers in the normal ranges. An optimal cholesterol goal is to have high HDL and low total cholesterol.
