Watching cholesterol levels is not a concept unknown to most people. Though, the exact meaning of this is not known by everyone. A cholesterol screening involves various ranges of numbers as well as the different cholesterol types. The following will discuss cholesterol levels in depth so you can have a better understanding of the results you receive after a screening.

Cholesterol latches on to a special protein in order to travel to parts of the body. Low density and high density are the two combinations of cholesterol-protein referred to as lipoproteins. One places cholesterol in the bloodstream, while the other eliminates it. Differentiating the two is important when learning about cholesterol levels. The reason being is that one should be lower and other higher in order to have a healthy cardiovascular system.

HDL

High density lipoprotein (HDL) is the cholesterol that is responsible for eliminating the bad cholesterol (LDL) from the bloodstream. Of course, since HDL is the good cholesterol, you want these numbers to be higher. Lower numbers of HDL will mean a greater risk of getting cardiovascular disease. 60 is a good number to shoot for, as anything higher than this will decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. You will be a high risk with any number below 40.

LDL

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is what sends cholesterol to the bloodstream. While cholesterol is needed by the body to construct cell membranes, most of the time it gets more than what’s required. As a result, arteries are left with the excess cholesterol and plaque begins to form, which causes blood flow to be restricted.

The lower your LDL levels are, the better. The range between 100-129 on a cholesterol level chart is considered the normal level for LDL, and any number below is optimal. The borderline high range is between 130-159, and numbers above this will place you into the category of high risk.

Total Cholesterol

A total cholesterol number will be gathered from HDL and LDL numbers. Any figure below 200 indicates a healthy cardiovascular system. Borderline high is 200-239, and a figure in this range means that you should get checked often. Any number above 240 means that you have an increased risk for getting cardiovascular disease.

Learning about cholesterol levels is a step in the right direction when it comes to getting healthier. By closely monitoring your condition consistently, you will be on your way to lowering cholesterol and maintaining it and an optimal level.