Cholesterol can be healthy for the body because it forms cell membranes. But cholesterol is also a waxy substance that can stick to the wall of the arteries, narrowing them and leading to heart disease or heart attack. That happens when there is too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, which can be caused by too much saturated fat in the diet, being overweight or not being physically active. The good cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), helps to clean away LDL cholesterol by moving it to the liver where it exists in the body. A high level of LDL cholesterol may increase the risk of heart disease. Low levels of LDL reduce the risk of heart disease.
Goals
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). A high level of LDL cholesterol is considered to be 160 mg/dL, which indicates an increased risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Anything less than 100 mg/dL and in some cases 70 mg/dL is a goal for people with heart disease or the risk of heart disease. The Mayo Clinic says the optimal rate for people with a very high risk of heart disease is below 70 mg/dL and less than 100 mg/dL for people at risk for heart disease.
Other Levels
For people in normal condition, an LDL cholesterol level of 100 to 129 mg/dL is considered optimal or above optimal. A reading of 130 to 159 mg/dL is considered borderline high, according to the NHLBI and the Mayo Clinic. When the level reaches 160 to 189 mg/dL, it's high. Anything above 190 mg/dL is a very high level of LDL cholesterol.
LDL Factors
Aside from diet, obesity and lack of activity, factors that raise LDL cholesterol levels may depend on family history, diabetes, high blood pressure or age. Men over 45 and women older than 55 have an increased risk of high LDL cholesterol levels. Women tend to have higher LDL levels after the menopause. Before menopause, they usually have lower levels than men the same age. Smoking also increases the risk of higher LDL cholesterol and heart disease.
Significance
When you have LDL cholesterol levels checked, the doctor also checks your HDL levels and triglycerides. It's just as important to watch you triglyceride levels as your LDL levels. Triglycerides are fats that when high can increase the risk of heart disease. High levels are often caused by a high intake of sweets and alcohol. They should be kept below 150 mg/dL, according to the NHLBI.
Lows and Highs
While trying to keep LDL levels down, it's just as important to keep your HDL levels high. HDL can fight LDL buildup and lower the risk of heart disease. Exercise is one good way to raise your HDL levels. They should be 60 mg/dL or more, the NHLBI says. Anything below 40 mg/dL is risky for heart disease. Work on keeping your LDL cholesterol levels low and getting those HDL levels up through a healthy diet and exercise.
