Cholesterol can be both your friend or foe, the choice is yours. If you are giving your cholesterol level a second thought, that is a step in the right direction. It shows initiative on your part; the concern it takes to keep your heart healthy and ward off possibly fatal conditions such as heart disease. Cholesterol is multifaceted; you have more than one type, each with its own level doctors consider good or bad.
LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol is the main carrier of cholesterol. It is the type doctors concern themselves with the most because it is the most likely to increase your risk for heart disease. The more excess LDL you have, the greater its buildup along the walls of your arteries. This restricts the flow of blood to your heart, damaging any or all parts of this muscle. The American Heart Association, or AHA, states a LDL level of 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high; therefore, people with a level of 136 mg/dL may require treatment. Your doctor determines this based on your other risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity and a family history of heart disease. The more risk factors you have, the more likely your doctor is to devise a treatment plan.
HDL Cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol. Its purpose is to rid your blood and arteries of excess LDL, preventing your risk of heart disease. Unlike LDL cholesterol, your HDL level should be high. Many times people refer to HDL as your low cholesterol; if low, it is unable to prevent your risk of cardiovascular complications. Healthy levels of HDL are 60 mg/dL and higher; if your HDL level is 136 mg/dL, your doctor may give you a pat on the back.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is the measurement of all fat in your blood. Its results are a combination of both LDL and HDL cholesterol. A healthy total cholesterol level is 200 mg/dL or less, according to the AHA. A level of 136 mg/dL in this case places you at very low risk for developing heart disease.
Lowering High Cholesterol
If your cholesterol is slightly elevated, as is the case with your LDL, your doctor usually begins with dietary and lifestyle changes. Reducing your intake of saturated fat, which comes in the form of animal products such as dairy and meat, can lower your LDL between 8 and 10 percent over a 6-week period, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. These fats must comprise no more than 7 percent of your daily calories. Reducing your daily cholesterol intake to 200 mg or less can reduce your LDL between 3 and 5 percent. Adding 5 to 10 g of soluble fiber, such as oats, fruits and legumes, can result in a reduction of 3 to 5 percent as well.
