Cholesterol Numbers

People above 20 years old are advised to undergo the lipoprotein profile or the cholesterol level test at least once in every five years. This test involves taking blood sample from the patient in order to find out his cholesterol numbers. The lipoprotein profile includes the following: LDL or bad cholesterol, HDL or good cholesterol, Triglycerides or the fats from foods, and the Total Cholesterol, which is composed of the other three profiles.

LDL Cholesterol

Known as the bad cholesterol, LDL builds up on the walls of the arteries and blocks the blood flow. Over time, increase suppression of the flow will bring about heart disease or stroke. Therefore, the lower the LDL cholesterol numbers, the better. A less than 100 LDL would be the best number; 100-129 means good; 130-159 is borderline high; 160-189 means high LDL; 190 and above is a very high LDL number. People with other heart disease risk factors are encouraged to lower down their LDL cholesterol numbers to less than a hundred.

HDL Cholesterol

This "good" cholesterol is responsible for removing the bad cholesterol that sticks to the walls of the arteries that is responsible for blood clot that later on results to a stroke. Hence, the higher the HDL cholesterol numbers, the better it is for your health. HDL cholesterol numbers at 60 and above is the best defense against heart disease; An HDL number of 40 in men and 50 in women is considered low and a risk factor for heart disease.

Triglycerides

These are considered the fats that we get from our foods. They are considered to contribute to the risk factor of heart disease. Thus, a very high Triglyceride number is from 500 and higher; a high number and a great risk factor as well is from 200-499; borderline high is at 150-199; and the normal Triglyceride number is less than 150.

Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol numbers are composed of the LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and other lipid components, and are recommended at a level below 200, the most desirable number. Numbers at 200-239 is considered borderline high, while a high total blood cholesterol level is 240 and above.

Knowing your cholesterol numbers and what they mean will help you manage your level better. Understanding your cholesterol numbers are a good foundation for an effective lifestyle change.

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