Your body has two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein, your LDL or "bad" cholesterol; and high-density lipoprotein, your HDL or "good" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the type that clogs your arteries and HDL transports LDL to your liver for disposal. Triglycerides are a different type of fat found in your bloodstream that supplies energy. When too many triglycerides form due to unburned calories, they are stored in your fat cells until needed, which causes levels to rise. A simple blood test, often called a lipid panel, can measure these levels.
Total Cholesterol
When it comes to total cholesterol, a result of less than 200 mg/dL is desirable. If your number falls in the 200 to 239 mg/dL range, this number is borderline high. A result of 240 mg/dL or above suggests you have more than double the risk of heart disease than someone whose cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL. Your doctor will use this result along with individual results to assess your overall risk of heart disease and stroke.
HDL Cholesterol
Since HDL is your good cholesterol, the higher the number, the better off you are. You should generally aim for an HDL of 60 mg/dL or higher. The average HDL cholesterol is 40 to 50 mg/dL for men; and 50 to 60 mg/dL for women. If you're a woman and your HDL is less than 50 mg/dL, or a man with an HDL of 40 mg/dL or less, you have a major risk for heart disease, the American Heart Association reports. Certain lifestyle influences can contribute to low HDL levels, such as smoking, obesity and lack of exercise. Your doctor will suggest lifestyle changes or medication if appropriate for you.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL is your bad cholesterol, so you want this number to be low. If your LDL is less than 100 mg/dL, this is ideal. A result of 100 to 129 mg/dL is near or above ideal, and 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high. Your LDL is considered to be high if it's 160 to 189 mg/dL, and very high if it reaches 190 mg/dL and above. Your doctor will determine a safe range for you after evaluating your risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Changes in lifestyle, such as improving your diet, daily exercise and losing weight, can improve your LDL level. In some cases, the addition of medication may also be necessary.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your bloodstream often increased by sweets and alcohol. A high level of triglycerides can increase fatty deposits in artery walls and increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. By triglycerides, aim for a low number; less than 150 mg/dL is desirable. A number from 150 to 199 mg/dL is borderline high, with 200 to 499 mg/dL classified as high. Results of 500 mg/dL and above are very high. Underlying diseases or genetic disorders can increase triglyceride levels. But in many cases, lifestyle is to blame. The main treatment for high triglycerides is lifestyle change, such as exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation and the reduction of alcohol and carbohydrate consumption. Medication is also necessary, in some cases.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Cholesterol Levels: What Numbers Should You Aim For?; June 17, 2010
- American Heart Association: What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean; April 13, 2011
- FamilyDoctor.org; Cholesterol; What Your Level Means; November 2010
- Cleveland Clinic: What You Need to Know About Triglycerides: September 15, 2008
