What Are The Three Components Of A Total Cholesterol Calculation?

There are currently approximately 107 million Americans over the age of 20 whose cholesterol levels are over the magic number of 200 milligrams for each deciliter of blood. Of those 37 million are shocked to find their total cholesterol calculation at a dangerously high level of 240 mg/dl.

These numbers don't count those who have opted for the do it yourself blood test method purchased at their local pharmacy. If there was a way to count these do it yourselfers then the total cholesterol calculation statistics listed above probably would be much higher.

But are basic total cholesterol calculations telling the whole story?

While a total cholesterol calculation test is generally useful it certainly doesn't paint the whole picture because much depends on the individual components. The individual components are bad cholesterol (LDL), good cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides. If you have a few minutes why don't we break down each one of these very different components.

LDL: This cholesterol baddy stands for low density lipoprotein and is responsible for depositing cholesterol in the walls of our arteries resulting in arterial plaque. It is also commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. LDL levels of 110 or less are considered to be optimal for those without multiple cardiovascular risk factors. For those who have had a heart attack or have multiple risk factors under 100 will be more along the lines of what your doctor would generally recommend.

HDL: HDL stands for high density lipoprotein. These are very lean molecules, in fact so lean they can't get squeeze through the artery wall. High density lipoproteins are sometimes described as scavenger molecules in search of cholesterol. They also travel away from our arteries with whatever cholesterol they have latched onto eventually finding their way out of the body in the form of solid waste. HDL levels of 55 or greater are considered to be optimal. HDL is known as good cholesterol.

Triglycerides: The types and quantity of foods ingested for the most part determines triglyceride levels. Ninety five percent of all fats in foods are considered triglycerides. When too much food is eaten(especially carbohydrates) the liver ups the production of triglycerides. Any triglycerides that fail to be used end up stored as fat which in theory is to be used at later date. Triglycerides are essential for energy, body movement, and generating heat. Triglyceride levels of less than 150 mg/dl of blood are considered to be in a healthy range.

In conclusion, these three very different types of blood fats are what make up a total cholesterol calculation. Talk with your doctor to learn more about each one, their relationship to one another, and what he considers to be heart healthy levels for your unique set of circumstances.

Additionally, many natural health minded individuals have enlisted the help of a safe and effective purchaseremedies.com/Cholesterol.html natural cholesterol supplement, combined with diet and exercise, to bring their total cholesterol calculation into a heart healthy range while improving each of the components.

Rob D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of safe and effective high quality alternative health products, and natural living, for well over 10 years and counting. To learn more about natural remedies and natural health visit purchaseremedies.com Purchase Remedies.com