For many years, cholesterol has been misunderstood and feared. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance naturally occurring within all parts of the body. Balanced levels of cholesterol are needed for proper functioning of the body. Cholesterol is used to make cell membranes, vitamin D and certain hormones. Some of the cholesterol in the blood comes from consuming animal products. Most -- 75 percent of all cholesterol -- is naturally present and manufactured by the liver. There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, and low-density lipoprotein, LDL, and an imbalance of these levels can be a risk factor for coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
Total Cholesterol
For adults over the age of 20, the American Heart Association recommends a fasting lipoprotein profile be performed every five years. The test report will show all cholesterol readings measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood, or mg/dL. A total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL is the desirable level as it reports a low risk of coronary heart disease. A level of 200 to 230 mg/dL in considered borderline high, with 240 mg/dL and above showing high total blood cholesterol and a twofold risk of coronary heart disease.
HDL -- The Good Cholesterol
HDL protects against heart disease by keeping the LDL, or bad, cholesterol from sticking to the artery walls. Blood levels of 60 mg/dL and above for HDL is considered protective against heart disease. HLD levels of less that 40 mg/dL for men and less that 50 mg/dL for women is considered a major risk factor for heart disease. Smoking, being overweight and having a sedentary lifestyle can cause HDL levels to be too low.
LDL -- The Bad Cholesterol
LDL is often referred to as the bad cholesterol because high LDL levels in the blood promote plaque buildup in the artery walls. The lower the LDL cholesterol readings, the lower the heart disease risk. LDL levels of less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal. Levels of 100 to 129 mg/dL is near or above optimal, 130 to 150 mg/dL is considered borderline high, 160 to 189 mg/dL is considered high and LDL levels of 190 mg/dL and above is considered very high.
What To Do
There are no physical signs or symptoms of high cholesterol. It is recommended to have levels checked regularly by having a blood test, especially if you are overweight, eat fatty foods or have a history of high cholesterol in the family. High blood cholesterol levels lead to the buildup of plaque, causing a narrowing of the artery walls. This condition, called atherosclerosis, increases the risk of heart disease and other circulatory problems. The plaque-filled, narrowed artery makes it difficult for blood to flow through the body and to the heart. Regular physical exercise and eating a nutritionally balanced diet with reduced animal products, saturated fats and trans fats has been shown to balance cholesterol levels.
