Cholesterol Levels

If you want to take charge of your health, understanding your cholesterol numbers is essential. Your cholesterol levels are measured by a complete lipoprotein profile, which determines four key numbers: your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC).

LDL, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, is the main carrier of cholesterol in the body. When an excess of LDL circulates the bloodstream, it can contribute to atherosclerosis -- the buildup of plaque in the arteries -- and leads to a heightened risk of heart attack and stroke. Depending on your age and other health factors, LDL cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL are optimal, with levels between 100 and 129 mg/dL considered near optimal, 130 and 159 borderline high, 160 to 189 high, and above 190 very high. The higher your LDL cholesterol numbers are, the greater your risk for developing heart disease.

Conversely, HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because of its protective effects against cardiovascular disease. Like LDL, HDL is a cholesterol carrier in the body, but instead of contributing to a buildup of arterial plaque, HDL tends to sweep cholesterol away from arteries and to the liver for excretion. With HDL, high cholesterol numbers are optimal; low cholesterol numbers increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. For most of the population, high HDL cholesterol levels are above 60 mg/dL, while levels between 40 and 59 are considered medium, and cholesterol levels below 40 for men and 50 for women are considered low -- and reflect a greater risk of heart disease.

Your level of triglycerides -- the body's most common type of fat -- is also a factor in developing cardiovascular conditions. Elevated triglyceride levels are linked with heart disease and, in combination with high LDL and low HDL numbers, increase the progression of atherosclerosis. Normal triglyceride levels are under 150 mg/dL, while 150 - 199 is considered borderline high, 200 - 499 is high, and above 500 is very high. Lower triglyceride levels decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Your total blood cholesterol level, also called your total serum cholesterol level, is calculated by combining your LDL level, HDL level, and one-fifth of your triglyceride level. For lowest risk of heart disease, a total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL is desirable. Total cholesterol numbers between 200 and 239 mg/dL are considered borderline-high risk, and levels above 240 are high risk.

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