Introduction
Cholesterol generally is known for being a bad thing, as high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control. However, cholesterol is vitally important to hormone production and cellular health. There are two types of cholesterol. LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins) flows through the blood stream carrying nutrients to the cell. LDL is considered "bad" because it tends to stick to the walls of the blood vessels, leading to heart disease, and other dangerous conditions. High Density Lipoproteins (HDL), the "good" cholesterol, flow through the bloodstream, removing the LDL and preventing them from causing any problems.
LDL and HDL
Measuring total cholesterol requires a blood test that will then break down the total number of both LDL and HDL. The number is reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). LDL measurements are optimal below 100 mg/dl, with readings between 100 to 129 mg/dl as above optimal, 130 to 159 mg/dl as borderline high, 160 to 189 mg/dl as high, and above 190 mg/l as very high. Physicians recommend that men have HDL numbers no lower than 40 mg/dl for men and no lower than 50 mg/dl for women. The average man has an HDL level between 40 and 50 mg/dl, while the average woman has HDL levels between 50 and 60 mg/dl.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is the LDL and HDL readings combined. A total cholesterol reading below 200 mg/dl is optimal, and puts you at relatively low risk for heart disease. A reading of 200 to 239 mg/dl is considered borderline high risk; it is possible to have a reading in this range with normal levels of LDL balanced with high HDL numbers. Though the ratio is good, it is still recommended by the American Heart Association, to work with your doctor to lower your total cholesterol under 200 mg/dl. Total cholesterol measurements above 240 mg/dl are considered high risk. People with total cholesterol readings above 240 mg/dl have more than twice the risk of coronary heart disease than people with readings below 200 mg/dl.
Cholesterol Ratio
The final consideration of total cholesterol readings is the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL. The American Heart Association recommends a ratio of better than 5:1, with an optimal ratio of 3.5:1. That is total cholesterol should be roughly 3 1/2 times greater than HDL levels, and total cholesterol no greater than 5 times HDL levels.
