High cholesterol causes problem for millions of Americans. And yet the information available on cholesterol can be confusing. When you know more about different types of cholesterol and how they affect you, you can take steps to stay healthy.

Identification

HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol that enables your body to flush bad cholesterol from the body. LDL cholesterol is the bad cholesterol that builds up along the artery walls. Total blood cholesterol is a measure of HDL, LDL and triglycerides.

Requirements

Cholesterol is not something that can be seen or felt. This is why the National Cholesterol Education Program advocates adults undergo a lipid profile test every five years to determine cholesterol levels.

Numbers

A desirable total blood cholesterol number is 200 mg/dL or less. Ideally, you want an HDL number of 55 or higher and an LDL number of 100 or less.

Significance

Total blood cholesterol numbers above 240 indicate that you have twice the risk of coronary heart disease as someone with a cholesterol number under 200. LDL is an even more specific gauge of health with higher numbers being associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Treatment

Lower your cholesterol levels by exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and following a diet low in trans and saturated fats. In some cases, you can talk to your doctor about medication to lower your cholesterol.

Source:

American Heart Association: Cholesterol

National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute: Cholesterol Education