Normal Range Of Cholesterol Levels - What Are Your Numbers?

Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance found in foods, and produced by our liver. It is used to protect nerves, construct cell tissues, and make certain hormones. Cholesterol is a very important substance, and is needed in small quantities for the body to function correctly. In high quantities, however, it can have an adverse effect on our health.

Your cholesterol level is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) - there three measures - one for HDL cholesterol, which is the 'good' kind of cholesterol, one for LDL cholesterol, which is the 'bad' kind, and one for your triglyceride level. Your optimal cholesterol levels will vary depending on your height, weight, gender, age, blood pressure, and a number of other hereditary and lifestyle factors - including whether or not you smoke.

What Is Total Blood Cholesterol Level?

If your levels of HDL, LDL, and triglyceride cholesterol are within normal limits, and your total cholesterol level is less than 200mg/dL, then you are classified as having a low risk for developing coronary heart disease and other cholesterol related conditions. A total cholesterol level of between 200-239 is considered to be borderline-high risk for such conditions, and if your LDL count is high, while your HDL levels are low, then you may be considered to be in a high risk group. A total cholesterol level of 240mg/dL or more means that you have more than double the risk of developing coronary heart disease than someone with a desirable level or cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol Levels: The Good Kind

Men should aim to have more than 40mg/dL of HDL cholesterol, and women should aim for more than 50mg/dL of HDL cholesterol. A HDL Cholesterol level of more than 60 mg/dL can offer a safeguard against certain cardiac complications. The average level is slightly lower than that for both men and women, and levels are reduced by smoking, and by obesity. To increase and maintain a high HDL level, you should try to stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, and get a lot of exercise.

Generally, people with a high triglyceride level have a low HDL level, and are more at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

LDL Cholesterol Levels: The Bad Kind

Having "low cores" can sometimes be good. That's the case with LDL cholesterol levels. Having a lower LDL level means that you have a lower risk for developing heart problems. And that is GOOD news! Usually, LDL levels less than 100mg/dL implies an optimal level of LDL while LDL levels of 190mg/dL or higher may pose a serious threat to your health.

What Is Your Triglyceride Level?

Triglycerides are a fat that is produced by our body. In general if you have a high triglyceride level it is likely that your total cholesterol level will also be high, as well as your LDL cholesterol level. People with a high triglyceride level usually have a low HDL level.

The optimal level for triglyceride is below 150mg/dL. You are considered at risk if your triglyceride level is higher than 500mg/dL. Risk factors for high triglyceride levels include obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. A high carbohydrate diet can also lead to a high triglyceride level.

Knowledge is power. Now that you have a better understanding of cholesterol levels, what will you do with this information? Your goal should be too increase the good cholesterol levels (HDL) and lower the bad ones (LDL). Small changes in your lifestyle and eating habits can make big differences. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose...except perhaps excessive LDL cholesterol levels.

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