High Cholesterol Levels Research Note
By Reader's Digest Editors
A brief digest about this topic
High levels of blood fats called low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) increase your risk for heart attacks and stroke, which are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States and around the world. The higher your LDLs, the higher your risk. What’s safe? LDLs below 100 are considered ideal; 100-129 is near- or above-optimal and 130-159 is considered borderline high. Your LDLs are considered high if they’re above 160 and very high at 190 and higher. Total cholesterol levels (LDLs plus two other cholesterol types) below 200 are generally considered heart-healthy; 200-239 is borderline high and above 240 is high—and doubles heart disease risk.
Fast Facts:- High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are the opposite of LDLs: they’re good for you and your heart. Aim for levels over 40 for men, over 50 for women. Even higher is better.
- However, high HDLs can’t “cancel out” the risk posed by elevated LDLs. A healthy diet and exercise can move both of these blood fats in the right directions.
- Wondering why your HDLs plus your LDLs don’t add up to your total cholesterol? Labs also count VLDLs—very low density lipoproteins—in the total.
- Get a fasting lipoprotein panel every 5 years starting at age 20 (more often if LDLs are high).
- Don’t overlook triglycerides, another blood fat measured on a fasting lipoprotein panel. Levels over 150 are heart-threatening, especially if your HDLs are low.
What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean
heart.org — “High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.” View full resource at heart.org
Cholesterol Management Center - WebMD
webmd.com — “High cholesterol affects 42 million Americans, and 63 million more have borderline high cholesterol. Here you'll find in-depth cholesterol information including cholesterol-lowering drugs, and other promising treatments.” View full resource at webmd.com
High Cholesterol | Good Cholesterol | Bad Cholesterol | Healthline
healthline.com — “High cholesterol, or lipid disorder, refers to the abundance of fatty substances in your blood. Learn the causes, symptoms and treatments for high blood cholesterol including information on good and bad cholesterol.” View full resource at healthline.com
Cholesterol information: high cholesterol, lowering cholesterol levels, and cholesterol treatment guidelines on MedicineNet.com
medicinenet.com — “Learn about cholesterol and how to lower LDL cholesterol. Read in-depth cholesterol information on a low cholesterol diet, normal ratio (levels), treatment for high cholesterol and more.” View full resource at medicinenet.com
High Blood Cholesterol Lifestyle And Home Remedies
mayoclinic.com — “High cholesterol — Comprehensive overview covers diet, medication and other treatments to lower cholesterol.” View full resource at mayoclinic.com
Cholesterol: What Your Level Means -- familydoctor.org
familydoctor.org — “Information about your cholesterol level from the American Academy of Family Physicians.” View full resource at familydoctor.org
High Cholesterol Basics - High Cholesterol Center - EverydayHealth.com
everydayhealth.com — “Should you be worried about high cholesterol? Learn what your cholesterol score means and discover ways to prevent and treat high cholesterol at EverydayHealth.com.” View full resource at everydayhealth.com
What is Cholesterol? What Causes High Cholesterol?
medicalnewstoday.com — “Cholesterol is a fat (lipid) which is produced by the liver and is crucial for normal body functioning. Cholesterol exists in the outer layer of every cell in our body and has many function” View full resource at medicalnewstoday.com
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