The amount of cholesterol, or lipoproteins, in your body is linked in many ways to the state of your health. Your high cholesterol levels may just be the cause those chest pains you've had. A 2000 study by Scott M. Grundy, published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," reports that high cholesterol levels may reduce life expectancy. Knowing your cholesterol levels is just one step toward ensuring better health and a longer, more productive life.
Low-Density Lipoproteins
Also called bad cholesterol, your low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs, should be less than 130 mg/dL of blood. If you have or are at risk for heart disease, you should aim for levels less than 100, or even 70 mg/dL if you are at the highest risk. You should be concerned if your LDL level is greater than 160 mg/dL, which is considered high. Levels between 130 and 159 mg/dL are borderline high. LDL levels higher than 189mg/dL are extremely high and require immediate medical intervention.
High-Density Lipoproteins
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is a type of cholesterol that is good for you. In this case, the more, the merrier. "Good cholesterol" level recommendations are slightly different between men and women. Whereas for men, HDL is considered low below 40 mg/dL, for women, the number is 50 mg/dL. Levels below these increase your risks for heart, brain and blood vessel abnormalities, all of which may adversely affect your health.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL of blood are healthy. Levels above 200 are considered borderline high. If the total amount of cholesterol in your body is more than 240 mg/dL, you are at increased risk for complications of high cholesterol. These risks range from chest pain or temporary loss of some body function and sensation to a heart attack or even a stroke. You must seek immediate medical attention for these conditions and you should manage your cholesterol to lower your risk.
Other Considerations
Although high levels of total or bad cholesterol may have significant effects on your health, other factors may worsen their effects, including some inherited conditions, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity or being overweight and other unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking. Check your cholesterol, or lipid, profile regularly. Cholesterol tests assess all levels of cholesterol. Because most of the recommended levels vary by age and sex, your doctor will advise you on how to interpret your test results and optimize your cholesterol levels.
