When talking about cholesterol scores, you're usually referring to the results of a lipid profile, which is a blood test that measures your cholesterol levels. Most lipid profiles, or lipid panels, provide you with four separate numbers, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Each of these numbers has a value that's considered healthy or ideal.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is usually the first number given in a standard lipid panel. This number is a measurement involving the total amount of fat in your bloodstream. Your hope is to keep this score as low as possible. In regard to your health, a good goal is anything below 200 milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood, or mg/dL.
LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is often referred to as simply "bad" cholesterol. With this form of cholesterol, you want a fairly low number, since low-density lipoproteins contribute to the buildup of plaque along the arterial walls. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, numbers below 100 mg/dL are considered optimal, but if you have a reading between this number and 129 mg/dL, it's said to be near ideal.
HDL Cholesterol
Unlike total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, you're looking for a high number when it comes to high-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol. Also known as "good" cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins help to rid the blood of excess cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of a narrowing within the arteries. The healthiest score is any number above 59 mg/dL, but somewhere between 50 and 59 mg/dL is still deemed healthy.
Triglycerides
The final number in your standard lipid profile involves triglycerides, a form of fat found in the bloodstream. High levels of this fat can lead to a thickening or hardening of the arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack, heart disease and stroke, according to MayoClinic.com. A desirable number is below 150 mg/dL. A reading from 150 to 199 mg/dL is considered borderline high.
Recommendation
To ensure your cholesterol scores remain in a healthy range, most medical professionals will tell you to make dietary changes in regard to your consumption of fat and cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends keeping your total fat intake to no more than 25 to 35 percent of your calories each day. Saturated fat should be kept at around 7 percent and trans fat at around 1 percent. Cholesterol intake should be limited to between 200 and 300 mg, depending on your health.
Besides these dietary changes, you should also increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while limiting meats and dairy. Controlling your caloric intake can also help reduce triglyceride levels, whereas regular exercise can help improve all your numbers.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol
- MayoClinic.com; High Cholesterol; June 2010
- MayoClini.com; Cholesterol Levels: What Numbers Should You Aim For?; June 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Triglycerides: Why Do They Matter?; June 2010
- American Heart Association; Know Your Fats; Jan 2011
