More than 102 million adults in the United States do not have healthy cholesterol readings. About 35 million of these Americans have levels high enough to be at high risk for heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn what the best cholesterol readings should be, and how you can improve your cholesterol to lower your chances for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
Screening
The only way to measure cholesterol is through a blood test. You can have your blood tested at your doctor's office, health fair or even with a home testing kit. The best cholesterol reading to start with is at your doctor's office so she can help you interpret your results and determine a treatment plan.
Fasting
Do not eat or drink anything other than water for nine to 12 hours before your laboratory appointment to ensure accuracy. Food and beverages have a dramatic effect on triglycerides, a component in a standard cholesterol screen. Doctors measure triglycerides and other components in your blood and make further calculations based on these measurements. Inaccurate measurements may result in inappropriate treatment.
Levels
Medical laboratories in the United States report cholesterol results in milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. You want your total cholesterol to be low. Results less than 200 mg/dL are the best.
Risks
Doctors associate high levels of blood cholesterol with increased incidence of heart disease. Every 1 percent drop in your cholesterol reduces your chance for heart disease by 2 percent, according to Cleveland Clinic. Other diseases, such as Alzheimer's and kidney disease, are associated with increased cholesterol.
Treatment
Treatment to achieve the best cholesterol reading includes a healthy diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. A diet high in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, found in meat, eggs and milk, is the primary cause of high cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Reduce your intake of saturated fat, like that found in fatty meat, butter and cheese, so it accounts for no more than 7 percent of your caloric intake. Increase your intake of foods rich in fiber, such as oatmeal and legumes. Soluble fiber has a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. Lose weight and exercise more to further improve cholesterol readings. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake to achieve the best cholesterol levels. Your doctor may prescribe medicines like statins, fibrates and niacin if diet, exercise and lifestyle changes do not result in the best cholesterol reading.
