I have had quite a few people asking about cholesterol levels and concerns that their's are too high.  There are a few things you want to consider when looking at your cholesterol numbers as it isn't as cut and dry as high or low.  Also, lifestyle factors such as smoking, being overweight, not exercising, and a poor diet can contribute to high cholesterol levels.  Today,  I will explain the numbers and in the next entry I will talk about lifestyle things that can improve these numbers. 

Total Cholesterol:

This is the combination of your HDL and LDL cholesterol. 
Less then 200 mg/dL: Desireable
200-239 mg/dL: Boderline-High Risk
240 mg/dL: High Risk

HDL (good or happy) cholesterol:

This is the one number that you want to be high!  If your number is 60 mg/dL or higher you are thought to have some protection against heart disease.   The average man will have between 40-50 mg/dL and the average women will have between 50-60 mg/dL. 

LDL (bad or lousy) cholesterol:

The lower this number the lower your chance of heart attack and stroke.  This is often a better predictor of risk then total cholesterol.  LDL levels fall into these categories:

LDL Cholesterol Levels

Less then 100 mg/dL             Optimal
100 to 129 mg/dL                    Near Optimal/Above Optimal
130 to 159 mg/dL                    Borderline High
160 to 189 mg/dL                    High
190 mg/dL and above            Very High

People with high cholesterol also often have high triglyceride levels.  Triglycerides are a form of fat and lifestyle will play a big role in reducing this number.  However, genetics or an underlying disease could also be the cause. 

Triglyceride Levels

Less then 150 mg/dL is normal.
150-199 mg/dL is borderline high.
200-499 mg/dL is high
500 mg/dL is considered very high.

This should help you understand the breakdown and next week I will talk about how you can control these numbers.  Also visit www.americanheart.org to better understand these numbers. 

Wishing you a healthy heart!!

Amy