It is important to keep cholesterol levels within the normal range. Over time, having an elevated blood cholesterol increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, according to eMedTV. Cholesterol is waxy lipid, or fat, that is needed by the body to hold the cells together, aid in digestion and produce some hormones. Cholesterol is produced by the liver, and is also obtained through animal protein in the diet. The amount of cholesterol that circulates in the bloodstream is determined by heredity and the amount of saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet.
Significance of LDL Cholesterol Levels
LDL cholesterol is referred to as the "bad" cholesterol. Because cholesterol is a fatty substance, it must bind to other substances, called lipoproteins, in order to be transported in the bloodstream. LDL is cholesterol that binds to low -density lipoproteins, according to eMedTV. LDL normally functions to take cholesterol from the liver to the tissues. When cholesterol levels are high, LDL releases the excess cholesterol back into the bloodstream where it can attach to the artery walls to form plaques of atherosclerosis. It is healthier to keep LDL levels lower. The normal level for LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL, according to the American Heart Association.
Significance of HDL Cholesterol Levels
HDL cholesterol is also called the "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is considered to be heart protective, according to HealthCentral. HDL cholesterol is composed of cholesterol bound to high-density lipoproteins. HDL cholesterol is called the "good" cholesterol because it is able to pick up cholesterol left over from LDL cholesterol as it travels though the bloodstream. With HDL cholesterol, the higher the level, the better it is. A normal level of HDL cholesterol is 60 mg/dL or higher.
Significance of Total Cholesterol Levels
Total cholesterol level gives a general indication of what is going on with the body's cholesterol. Total cholesterol is combination of the amount of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and another type of cholesterol called VLDL, or very-low-density lipoprotein, according to Harvard Health Publications. It is possible to have a normal cholesterol level with low HDL and high LDL cholesterol. Normal levels of total cholesterol are below 200 mg/dL.
Calculating the Cholesterol Ratio
Calculating the cholesterol ratio can give an indication of the risk for developing heart disease, according to MayoClinic.com. The cholesterol ratio is determined by dividing the value for total cholesterol by the value for HDL cholesterol. A smaller cholesterol ratio is healthier. A normal cholesterol ratio is 4:1.
The Importance of Diet
Diet plays a very important part in helping to keep cholesterol levels within the normal range. The most important dietary change is to limit the amount of saturated and trans fats in the diet, according to MayoClinic.com. Daily intake of fats should not exceed 7 percent of total calories for saturated fats, 1 percent for trans fats and less than 300 mg of cholesterol. Replacing butter, margarine and partially hydrogenated fats, found in many processed foods, with olive oil, canola oil and polyunsaturated fats is the healthier option. Eating less fatty meats, such as beef and pork, and more whole grain products, fruits and vegetables can also help keep cholesterol levels normal.
