According to Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, cholesterol is a sterol (a waxy, insoluble, steroid-based alcohol) widely distributed in animal tissues and important for metabolism and the formation of steroid hormones. It is found in the blood and comes from two places: the intestine absorbs it from the animal fat in your diet and the liver produces it. While cholesterol is necessary for your digestive system, nervous system and endocrine system, many Americans have high cholesterol levels. Elevated levels can lead to heart disease and other medical conditions.
Total Cholesterol
According to the American Heart Association, a healthy total blood cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL. A level over 240 is considered high.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL is considered "good" cholesterol. A healthy goal is a level of 60 mg/dL while a level below 40 for men and 50 for women puts you at risk of heart disease.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL is considered "bad" cholesterol. A level less than 100 mg/dL is desirable, while a level of 160 or above is high.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a form of fat. A normal triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dL while a level of 200 or more is considered high.
What to Do if You Have Unhealthy Cholesterol Levels
With your physician's approval, eat a low-fat, high fiber diet. Add more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Exercise regularly and avoid tobacco smoke. If you are overweight, strive to reduce your weight to a healthy level. If these modifications do not suffice, you may be placed on a cholesterol-lowering medication.
