Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. It travels through your bloodstream in small packages called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol throughout your body:
- LDL cholesterol - Also called "bad" cholesterol, LDL cholesterol builds up in your arteries and increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. A high LDL level is considered 130 mg/dL and above.
- HDL cholesterol - Also called "good" cholesterol, HDL carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. An HDL level below 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women is considered a major heart disease risk factor.
When getting your
cholesterol tested, it's important to fast for 9 to 12 hours so that your results accurately reflect your regular cholesterol levels. Here are normal total cholesterol levels by age:
- Normal for children: Below 170 mg/dL
- Normal for adults age 20 and older: Below 200 mg/dL
Borderline high cholesterol is between 200–239 mg/dL. High cholesterol levels 240 mg/dL and above increase your risk for heart disease.
Ways to improve cholesterol levels include:
- Losing extra weight
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Eating a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats
- Potentially taking statin medications
Good cholesterol levels are key for good heart health. By understanding your cholesterol panel results and making lifestyle changes, you can lower and control high cholesterol as needed to reduce cardiovascular risks. For more information, please visit Balance Hormones Clinic.