Understanding Cholesterol Levels

There are two types of cholesterol, and they have different effects on the body.

LDL Cholesterol Levels

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the transport mechanism that takes cholesterol from the liver to tissues in the body. When LDL cholesterol numbers are too high, it deposits cholesterol in the walls of the arteries. This can be the start of atherosclerosis or another serious heart condition.

The upper limit recommendations for LDL cholesterol will depend on your risk factors:

• For those who are not at an increased risk for heart disease, your LDL cholesterol should be less than 130 mg/dl.
• For those with one risk factor for heart disease – such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes or family history of heart disease – your LDL cholesterol should be no higher than 100 mg/dl.
• If you personally have atherosclerosis or have had a stent or a mini stroke, your LDL cholesterol should be less than 70 mg/dl. Some of the newest guidelines even recommend as low as 55 mg/dl for the upper target.

HDL Cholesterol Levels

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) takes cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it back to the liver. The liver then metabolizes the cholesterol and removes it from the body through the digestive system. HDL cholesterol is what’s known as “healthy” cholesterol and the higher your HDL cholesterol level, the better.

Males should strive for an HDL level of at least 40 mg/dl, and females should strive for at least 50 mg/dl.

When Cholesterol is Bad

LDL cholesterol levels is commonly referred to as the “bad cholesterol”. If left untreated, high levels of LDL can lead to a buildup of fatty deposits or plaque in the walls of your arteries.

This causes narrowing of the arteries and restricts the flow of blood and oxygen through your body. This increases the chances of developing a blocked blood vessel to the heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke.

Cholesterol Testing Schedule

For those not at an increased risk for unhealthy levels, cholesterol should be checked between the ages of 17 and 22. From there until age 40, your primary care provider will check your cholesterol every three to five years. Starting at age 40, your cholesterol should be checked annually as part of your routine health screenings.

For those at an increased risk for unhealthy levels, regular cholesterol screenings should begin at a younger age and checked more often. This includes individuals with a very strong family history of premature heart disease – including heart attacks or family members dying in their 40s. There’s not a ‘too young’ of an age to screen for cholesterol levels.

Treatments Options

If you have high cholesterol or are at risk for heart disease, it’s important that you take proactive steps to keep your levels in a healthy range.

Making lifestyle changes – such as not smoking, reducing your alcohol intake and adapting to a better way of eating, such as following a Mediterranean diet – can make a difference and help protect your health.

However, there is a hereditary component to cholesterol levels that many people just can’t overcome. In those cases, even if you’re doing all the right things like exercising and eating well, taking cholesterol medication may be necessary.

Important to Know

The scary thing is that most people with high cholesterol feel fine and don’t have any signs or symptoms. Having it checked is the only way to detect it.