Good Cholesterol Levels
Triglyceride Blood Test
Plant Sterols
Tablespoon Unrefined Safflower Oil
High Hdl Cholesterol Levels
Low Hdl
High Total Cholesterol
Cholesterol Medications
Cholesterol
HDL LDL
recommended level of hdl cholesterol
Many Americans today are battling high cholesterol, and yet others are attempting to maintain their good cholesterol levels. The reason for this is that about one third to one fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by the high density lipoproteins. Chips, candy bars, buttered popcorn and many packed food are also high in saturated fat. And this, in the opinion of the majority people, is the best way to fight this affliction.
oxidized ldl cholesterol
The LDL builds plaque on the walls of the arteries, and this in turn promotes hardening of the arteries. Taking control of your health is what we must all try to achieve, but it is up to us to improve and/or maintain our overall good health. The higher the LDL concentration is, the more at risk you are with your heart. However, too much of it can increase your chance for heart disease and other problems.
Health risks for heart disease and stroke are greatly increased when cholesterol levels are not maintained within the recommended normal range. High cholesterol levels over time can lead to the thickening and stiffening of arteries from plaque buildup hindering or blocking blood flow to major organs causing life-threatening illness. Along with high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease having consistently high cholesterol levels increase the risks of serious illnesses that much more.
What Are Normal Cholesterol Levels?
The normal level of total cholesterol is considered to be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), while anything 240 or higher is considered high.
The normal level of LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dl. LDL or high-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol is considered too high when it is measured at 160 mg/dl or higher.
The normal level of HDL cholesterol is 60 mg/dl. HDL or high-density lipoprotein (good) cholesterol levels increase risk for heart disease when they fall to 40 mg/dl or less.
Another type of cholesterol that is tested is triglycerides. The normal level of triglycerides is 150 mg/dl or less. Any reading of 200 mg/dl or higher is considered high.
Adjusting Cholesterol Levels To Normal
The first step in reducing overall cholesterol levels to normal is diet and exercise. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in fat and cholesterol can help. Regular and frequent exercise can also help. If you smoke, stop and while helping to control your cholesterol you will improve your overall health too.
Even after adopting these lifestyle changes you may not bring your cholesterol test results into a normal range. Your doctor may decide that taking one of the many cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins might work for you. These drugs may have mild side effects that disappear with continued use. Normal cholesterol levels can be achieved quickly with the use of these drugs.
Other natural or non-drug treatments are available. Holistic approaches to health care can bring positive results with fewer side effects. Your doctor may not have much information about these methods so you may have to do the research yourself. Go to a respected health food store or search the Internet to find natural ways to achieve normal cholesterol levels. Just be very careful not to purchase expensive and unproven dietary supplements that claim to cure high cholesterol. They may contain ingredients that actually do more harm than good.