Cholesterol
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance found in the bloodstream and in all your body’s cells. Cholesterol is needed for your body to function normally. Your body makes enough cholesterol for its needs. Cholesterol comes from two sources: it is produced by your body, mainly in the liver, and it is found in food, especially animal products such as meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products and eggs.
Most heart disease is caused by arteriosclerosis, which occurs when cholesterol, fat and other substances build up in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The deposits, called plaque, narrow the arteries and can slow down or block the flow of blood. One of the most important functions of blood is to carry life-giving oxygen to the heart. Without oxygen, heart muscle tissues are gradually destroyed, resulting in chest pain, a heart attack, or even death. In the same manner, buildup in the arteries supplying blood to the brain can cause a stroke.
Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels
Total Cholesterol
- Normal: Less than 200 mg/dl
- Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dl
- High: over 240 mg/dl
Your goals may vary. Attend a health screening or see your cardiologist to find out what your levels are and what you can do to improve them. Don't have a cardiologist? No problem. We have many skilled cardiology specialists that you can see. You don't even need a referral!
To find your cardiologist,
Bad Cholesterol
Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) are the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. It has been labeled “bad” because it slowly builds up in the walls of the arteries. LDL, together with other substances, can form plaque (a thick, hard deposit) that restricts the flow of blood through arteries and can result in a heart attack or stroke.
LDL (low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol)
- High risk: greater than 160
- Borderline high risk: 130-159
- Desirable (no indication of heart disease): less than 130
- Risk of heart disease: less than 100
- Known heart disease: less than 70
Good Cholesterol
High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) carries about 25% - 30% of blood cholesterol. HDL is considered “good” because it helps clean the arteries by carrying cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is removed from the body, and it helps sweep away the cholesterol dumped by LDL.
HDL (high density lipoprotein or good cholesterol)
- Not less than 40
- Ideal over 60
Triglycerides
Researchers have found that a third fat-like substance called triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease by contributing to fatty deposits in the arteries. Triglycerides come from the fat in our diet. Triglycerides can be more easily controlled through exercise and eating a low-fat diet than cholesterol.
- Desirable: less than 150
- Borderline High: 150-199
- High: 200 or greater