Your liver produces cholesterol, which functions as a necessary part of cell membranes and makes hormones in the body. However, you can also ingest cholesterol from animal-based foods. Cholesterol is only harmful if blood levels of it are too high. High cholesterol can lead to negative health conditions, such as coronary artery disease and heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends adults over age 20 check blood cholesterol levels every five years.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is an accumulation of good and bad cholesterol values with very low, low-density and high-density lipoprotein amounts. In the United States, cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter. In general, a total cholesterol number of under 200 mg/dL is desirable. A value of 200 to 239 mg/dL is considered borderline high, and a value over 240 mg/dL is high.
"Bad" Cholesterol
Low density lipoprotein, also known as LDL, is considered the "bad" cholesterol. Cholesterol is made up of lipids and proteins, and LDL has a higher amount of lipid molecules compared to protein molecules. A high amount of LDL cholesterol can cause plaque build-up in blood vessels, which can increase your chances of heart attack or stroke. For people at risk for heart disease, 100 mg/dL or less is an ideal number. If your risk is very high for heart disease, aim to stay under 70 mg/dL. "High risk" includes a previous heart attack or plaque blocking arteries in the neck, arms or legs. People at risk for heart disease may have other risk factors, too, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or a family history of cardiovascular problems.
An LDL level under 130 mg/dL is desirable for those not at risk for heart disease. An LDL level of 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high. An LDL level of 160 to 189 mg/dL is considered high, and over 190 mg/dL is very high.
"Good" Cholesterol
The "good" cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. HDL has a higher density because it has more protein molecules making it higher in density. HDL cholesterol can be up to one-third of total cholesterol, and it has a protective effect against heart attacks by removing harmful cholesterol from blood vessels. The higher the number, the more protection; a low HDL is a risk factor for heart disease. Exercise can help raise HDL levels. A level of 60 mg/dL is considered best, a level of 50 to 59 mg/dL is better and a level under 50 mg/dL for women and 40 mg/dL for men is poor.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat in the body similar to cholesterol. Triglycerides are made in the body and can be elevated by obesity, high refined carbohydrate intake or physical inactivity. High triglycerides are usually associated with heart disease or diabetes, and a high triglyceride level often pairs with high LDL and low HDL. The optimal triglyceride level is below 150 mg/dL; 150 to 199 mg/dL is borderline high, 200 to 499 mg/dL is high and over 500 mg/dL is very high.
