Cholesterol is a wax-like lipid that circulates throughout your body in your bloodstream. Cholesterol is often associated with heart disease, but it actually plays important roles in your body. Cholesterol helps build cell membranes and allows the synthesis of bile acids, vitamin D and sex hormones. If you have a low cholesterol count, cholesterol can perform its important roles without increasing your risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol Testing
Cholesterol testing is done as a part of a lipid profile, which includes values for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In order to test your cholesterol, your doctor will determine the amount of cholesterol present in a blood sample. Most cholesterol testing requires you to fast for 9 to 12 hours before your blood is drawn.
Total Cholesterol
Desirable total cholesterol levels are below 200 mg/dL. Your risk for heart disease decreases as your total cholesterol levels fall. A low total cholesterol count is ideal. If your numbers fall between 201 and 239 mg/dL, your cholesterol levels are considered borderline high. If your numbers reach 240 mg/dL or higher, they are considered high.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol, which is often referred to as bad cholesterol, can promote the development of plaque on the walls of your arteries and increase your risk of developing heart disease. A low LDL cholesterol count reduces your risk of developing heart disease and having a heart attack or stroke. If your LDL cholesterol is below 100 mg/dL, it is considered optimal. Values between 100 and 129 mg/dL are considered near optimal. As LDL values increase, your risk of heart disease increases as well. It is important to keep LDL cholesterol levels low.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol, which is often referred to as good cholesterol, is protective against heart disease. Although having low total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol is ideal, having low HDL cholesterol can actually promote heart disease. HDL levels below 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women are considered poor. HDL levels 60 mg/dL or above are considered protective against heart disease.
Considerations
If you have low HDL cholesterol, you can do a number of things to raise your numbers while still keeping total cholesterol low. If you smoke, it is important to quit. MayoClinic.com notes that quitting smoking can increase your HDL cholesterol levels by 10 percent. Losing weight and engaging in regular exercise can also help improve your HDL cholesterol levels. Limiting your alcohol intake can also help improve your HDL cholesterol levels.
