Cholesterol is a natural substance formed in your body by your liver. While cholesterol helps your body form cell membranes and some hormones, having too much cholesterol can raise your chances of having a heart attack and is a major risk factor for developing heart disease. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends that everyone age 20 or older should have their cholesterol levels checked every five years, preferably a fasting lipoprotein profile -- a test conducted after a nine- to 12-hour fast that gives an overall view of your cholesterol numbers.
Low-Density Lipoproteins
Low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs -- also known as "bad" cholesterol -- are the main source of plaque buildup and artery blockages that occur in your body. High levels of LDL are also a major risk factor for heart disease. An LDL reading of 100 mg/dL or less is optimal, 100 to 129 mg/dL is near optimal, 130 to 159 is borderline high, 160 to 189 is high, and 190 or above is very high. If you have heart disease or blood vessel disease, the Cleveland Clinic recommends aiming for an LDL reading of less than 70 mg/dL. If you are at high risk for developing heart disease, an LDL reading of less than 100 mg/dL is a goal.
High-Density Lipoproteins
High-density lipoproteins, or HDLs -- your "good" cholesterol -- help protect against heart attack and heart disease by keeping LDL cholesterol from building up in your arteries. The optimal level of HDL cholesterol in your blood is 60 mg/dL or above. Numbers of less than 50 mg/dL for women and less than 40 mg/dL for men signify low levels of HDL cholesterol, and constitutes a major risk factor for heart disease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another form of fat that is found in your blood. A level of 150 mg/dL or less is normal, 150 to 199 mg/dL is borderline high, 200 to 499 mg/dL is high, and 500 mg/dL and above is very high. High triglyceride levels are often a lifestyle-related factor, but they may be caused by an underlying disease. The main therapy to treat high triglycerides is to incorporate healthy changes into your lifestyle, such as losing weight, eating healthy foods and exercising.
Total Cholesterol
Your total cholesterol is a combination of your LDL, HDL and triglycerides levels. A total cholesterol reading of less than 200 mg/dL is the most desirable level, putting you at a lower risk for coronary heart disease. A reading of 200 to 239 mg/dL is borderline high, and a reading of 240 mg/dL and above is considered high.
References
- American Heart Association: Cholesterol
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: National Cholesterol Education Program: High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
- MayoClinic.com: Cholesterol Levels: What Numbers Should You Aim For?
- Cleveland Clinic: What Do Cholesterol Levels Mean?
- American Heart Association: What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean
- Harvard Medical School: Family Health Guide: Making Sense of Cholesterol Tests
