Cholesterol gets its fair share of bad publicity. You may frequently hear about the negative effects it has on your health as well as recommendations about how to lower your cholesterol levels. But the American Heart Association (AHA) says that despite what you may have been led to believe, your body does need a certain amount of cholesterol to function properly. Cholesterol can be both "good" and "bad."
Definition
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that comes from two sources. Three --fourths of your cholesterol is created in your liver and other cells. The remainder comes from the foods you put into your body. Cholesterol can be detected in the bloodstream and every cell in your body as it works to produce cell membranes and certain hormones.
Considerations
There are a number of factors that contribute to your total cholesterol. Genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight and unhealthy eating habits, including eating foods with lots of saturated fat, can all have detrimental effects on your cholesterol levels.
HDL Cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is regarded as "good" cholesterol. It makes up between 25 and 35 percent of your total blood cholesterol. HDL is labeled as "good" because at high levels it appears to guard against heart attack, while low levels can increase the risk of heart disease. According to the AHA, HDL may transport cholesterol away from the arteries and send it back to the liver, where it is excreted from the body.
LDL Cholesterol
When an excessive of amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, moves through the bloodstream, it can gradually collect along the inner walls of the arteries. A solid deposit known as plaque can develop, causing a narrowing of the arteries. Over time, this can place you at a greater risk of heart problems.The medical term for high cholesterol is hypercholesterolemia. Since high cholesterol has no symptoms, it generally goes undetected unless you specifically look for it in a blood test.
Cholesterol Readings
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. The Mayo Clinic says an LDL level below 100 mg/dL is desirable, while 160 mg/dL and above is considered to be high. When it comes to your HDL level, a reading below 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women is undesirable. The optimal HDL level for both men and women is 60/dL and above. Your total cholesterol level should be under 200 mg/dL.
Prevention/Solution
The National Institutes of Health says a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol can help keep your LDL levels under control. Managing your weight and getting regular physical activity (30 minutes or more per day) can also make a difference in your numbers. When diet and lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may recommend a cholesterol-lowering medication. These medications include statins, fibric acids and cholesterol-absorption inhibitors, among others.
