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The Curious Bag
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Cholesterol is an important building block of healthy cells, but too much can lead to a narrowing of the arteries, heart attacks and strokes. To lower your risks, you should understand what your cholesterol levels mean.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Once it reaches 240 mg/dL, you have high cholesterol.
LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, is another part of cholesterol readings. The ideal range is below 100 mg/dL; but 100 to 129 mg/dL is still considered good.
HDL Cholesterol
Unlike your other two readings, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is better at higher levels, so you want this number at least above 40 mg/dL. Optimal is more than 60 mg/dL.
Triglycerides
During a standard cholesterol reading, your doctor will usually test your triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are essentially a type of fat and your number should be less than 150 mg/dL.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is categorized as total cholesterol that is more than 240 mg/dL or LDL cholesterol more than 160 mg/dL. Diets low in cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat, and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can bring these numbers into a healthy range. If this doesn't improve cholesterol, prescription medications will be necessary.
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