Good Cholesterol or HDL
- HDL (High-density lipoproteins) cholesterol (good cholesterol) is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body, including the brain, nerves, muscle, skin, liver, intestines, and heart. High levels of HDL reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Your body needs only a small amount of cholesterol to produce many hormones, vitamin D, and the bile acids that help to digest fat.
- A desirable cholesterol level is lower than 200 mg/dL.
Bad Cholesterol or LDL
- Too much LDL (Low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in your blood can build up on the walls of your arteries and can narrow your arteries or even block them, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
- People of all ages and backgrounds can get high cholesterol.
- High total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL and above.
- About 1 of every 6 adult Americans has high blood cholesterol.
- More women than men have high cholesterol in the United States.
- Cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older.
- High cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol levels.
- Get a blood test.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Don't smoke.
- If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe medications in addition to lifestyle changes.