Cholesterol Readings

If you suffer from high levels of cholesterol, then it is extremely important to have your blood cholesterol level monitored regularly. Cholesterol readings comprise of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol levels, triglycerides as well as HDL cholesterol level. Whenever you get the levels checked by your physician, ensure that you get the cholesterol levels of all the three (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol as well as HDL cholesterol) checked. 200mg/dL of blood in the optimum amount of cholesterol desirable. However, this level may go as high as 239mg/dL without much adverse effects. However, the moment it goes above 240mg/dL, you are in a precarious state, and stand the risk of falling prey to fatal heart diseases.

LDL Cholesterol
This low density lipoprotein is popularly known as “bad cholesterol”. High levels of this may lead to cholesterol deposits in the walls of the blood stream, and increase risk of possible heart diseases. It is best if this cholesterol is maintained at less than 200 milligrams per deciliter or 200 mg/dL. The borderline cap of LDL is around 200-239mg/dL. However, having this at a level above 240mg/dL is dangerous.

HDL Cholesterol
High density lipoprotein is known as the “good cholesterol”. HDL helps in moving excess cholesterol from the tissues to the liver; the liver breaks this down and makes it a part of bile which is ultimately removed. Unlike LDL, the higher the HDL level the better. The minimum level that you must maintain for HDL is 40mg/dL to 45 mg/dL.a level above 60mg/dL is said to be beneficial to heart and brain, as it protects the coronary and cerebral blood vessels.

Triglycerides
Triglycerides constitute the third type of fats. This is the type of fat that flows in our blood stream. Most of the fats that we get from our body are triglycerides. However, too much of this type is a potential risk to our body and heart. A high level of triglycerides thickens the blood, and could possibly lead to heart attack due to blood clotting. Therefore, try to maintain the triglyceride level between to 150-199. Do not let it rise above 200.

The levels given above are only estimated ones. The actual level that would be best for you depends on your risk factor- your age, general health, build, gender and family history. No one level suits all, and it varies from person to person. However, experts believe that a total of above 240mg/dL indicates lifestyle change, might lead to heart diseases, and is unhealthy. As per the new set of national guidelines, people with high cholesterol levels should be treated every 1-2 years. An extremely frequent checkup, say one every 2-3 months, will be of little benefit, unless one is undergoing some intensive therapy.