Getting your cholesterol in an optimal range can be a key contributor to a healthy life. Although understanding cholesterol numbers can be confusing, learning where your level should be, and how to get it there, is extremely important.
HDL vs. LDL
There are two kinds of cholesterol, LDL and HDL. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol that clogs arteries and leads to heart disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is good for you and has the reverse effect of LDL.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is the combined level of cholesterol in your blood. A level below 200 mg/dL is desirable. Between 200 to 239 mg/dL is borderline high; any level above that is considered high.
LDL
For a healthy adult, LDL numbers should fall between 100 to 129 mg/dL. But those who are at risk for heart disease should have lower levels. Any number above 160 is considered high.
HDL
HDL levels between 50 to 59 mg/dL are good, while a number above 60 is the best. Any number lower than 50 for women and 40 for men is poor.
What Affects Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is most closely affected by the foods you eat. But factors such as smoking, obesity and genetics can play a role.
