High cholesterol
High cholesterol is excess levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol in blood consists of three main components…
- Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) – LDL is involved in depositing cholesterol and other fats throughout the body. High levels of LDL put you at risk for hardening arteries and heart disease.
- High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) – involved in eliminating cholesterol and other fats from the body. High levels of HDL are protective against heart disease.
- Triglyceride a common form of fat in the body.
Find the cholesterol level that is right for you
Use the following chart to get a better understanding of what your LDL,
total cholesterol and triglyceride levels should be
| If You Have | Your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol should be | Your total cholesterol should be | Your triglyceride should be |
| Fewer than 2 risk factors* and no heart disease | Under 160 mg/dL | Under 240 mg/dL | Under 200 mg/dL |
| 2 or more risk factors* with no heart disease | Under 130 mg/dL | Under 200 mg/dL | Under 200 mg/dL |
| Heart Disease | 100 mg/dL or less | 160 mg/dL or less | 150 mg/dL or less |
| * Risk Factors |
| • Family history • Diabetes • Smoking • Low HDL (<35) • High blood pressure • Age (Men 45 years+) • Age (Women 55 years+) |