After you undergo a simple blood cholesterol test at the doctor's office, you normally get results on cholesterol counts for low-density lipoprotein, known as LDL, cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol. The test also includes results for triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. Unhealthy counts have no symptoms, but can lead to heart disease. You can only know your levels through blood cholesterol tests, usually performed during a regular physical exam.
Unhealthy Blood Flow
The body produces cholesterol naturally to help manufacture hormones and other substances necessary for various functions. Triglycerides exist naturally as well to help the body use these fats for energy. However, cholesterol and triglyceride fats also come from certain foods. Excess amounts can affect blood flow to the heart and cause heart disease. Reducing fat intake in your diet and getting regular physical exercise helps maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
HDL
Although the word "cholesterol" has negative connotations for many people, HDL has been called the "good" cholesterol. HDL travels through the bloodstream and picks up excess cholesterol. It then carries the cholesterol to the liver, which treats it as waste. High HDL cholesterol levels protect you against heart disease. Men need HDL levels above 40 milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood, or mg/dL. Women need HDL levels above 50 mg/dL. A low-fat, well-balanced diet and regular exercise keep HDL at high levels.
LDL
Too much LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream can clog the arteries. Excess LDL forms plaques on the inner walls of the arteries to slow down blood flow to the heart. It can eventually lead to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This causes heart disease because of partial blockage of blood flow in the arteries. Complete blockage in the arteries can lead to heart attack or stroke. LDL levels below 130 mg/dL are considered healthy, according to MayoClinic.com. Aim for levels below 100 mg/dL if you have had previous heart disease conditions, heart attack or stroke. People with very high risk factors should seek levels below 70 mg/dL. These people have two or more risk factors that include high blood pressure, a family history of early heart disease, diabetes, smoking, and being over age 45 for men and 55 for women.
Triglycerides
Calories from food not immediately used for energy are converted to triglycerides and stored in fat cells. Excess triglycerides, like too much LDL, can contribute to heart disease. Triglyceride counts less than 150 mg/dL indicate healthy levels. You may have borderline high levels at 150 to 199 mg/dL and high levels at 200 mg/dL and above.
Dietary Changes
Saturated and trans fats cause unhealthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Saturated fat comes mainly from meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. Limit your intake by choosing lean meat, skinless poultry and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Fish usually has lower saturated fat than meat and poultry. Fish containing omega-3 fatty acids may also improve HDL and LDL levels. They include tuna, salmon, herring and mackerel. Certain unsaturated fats improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Monounsaturated fats include olive and canola oils, avocados, almonds, hazelnuts and pecans. Corn, flaxseed, soybean and sunflower oils have high concentrations of healthy polyunsaturated fats. Avoid trans fats, found in many processed foods and fried foods in restaurants, which raise LDL and lower HDL. Add more low-fat, fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your meals.
