Good Health Means Low Cholesterol Levels

lower cholesterol

If you are an adult over twenty years old it is important to have your cholesterol level checked about every five years to make sure you have what is considered to be a healthy lower cholesterol level. High cholesterol levels is the primary factor for hardening of the arteries that create heart attacks, and can cause heart disease. It is very common these days for people to have their cholesterol levels checked. A lipid profile test perscribed by their doctor would have the patient check their HDL (good cholesterol), the LDL (bad cholesterol), and the triglyceride level.

Healthy Cholesterol Level

Experts believe that if your overall cholesterol level is below 200mg/dl than you have a healthy cholesterol level and are considered to be at low risk for acquiring heart disease. It is difficult for people to achieve a healthy cholesterol level or keep an acceptable  cholesterol level if they eat an unhealthy diet loaded with saturated fats or if they do not get enough exercise.

If your cholesterol test reveals a cholesterol level between 200 and 240 mg/dl you are placed in the category of people who are considered to have a moderate risk of getting heart disease. A high risk category number is considered 240 mg/dl. People in the high risk category are thought to have about twice the risk of acquiring heart disease than those that have a healthy cholesterol level which is under 200 mg/dl.

If due to your high cholesterol level you are considered a high risk patient you should have an exercise plan created for you by an expert, reduce the saturated fat in your diet, eat healthy foods and if you still have a high cholesterol level your doctor might recommend drugs designed to lower cholesterol such as statins.

HDL the Good Cholesterol

Increasing your good cholesterol level (HDL), get plenty of exercise, avoid smoking, and eat a health diet. For an average sized woman, the HDL cholesterol lever can be anywhere from 50 to 60 mg/dl, compared to a male where the level should be 40 and 50 mg/dl.

Your LDL (bad cholesterol) level is the best source for determining your risk of having a heart attack or having a stroke. It is a better indicator for your heart attack risk than a level of total cholesterol can provide. A preferred LDL level would be under 100 mg/dl. A high level is considered to be 160 to 189 mg/dl, and a borderline high level is considered 130 to 159. A level at 190 or higher is considered by experts to be very high. In order to avoid heart disease, heart attacks and strokes you should have your HDL cholesterol checked to find out if you have a healthy cholesterol level.