What do the Cholesterol level numbers really mean?

What do the Cholesterol level numbers really mean?

So those numbers the doctor gave you.  What exactly do they mean? What is the relationship between your HDL and LDL and why is it important to use the two to determine your cardiac risk?

Total cholesterol is both your HDL and LDL together.  That doesn't really tell you much.  You need to know the number for each and examine the relationship between the two to determine your cardiac risk.  More than 30% should be HDL cholesterol.  To figure out the percentage take your HDL number and divide by the total number.  Percentages between 30-40% are excellent and over 40% shows a very low risk of heart attack.  If the percentage is less than 20% you are more at risk and if the percentage is 10% or below you are in great danger of having a heart attack.

For most of us cholesterol can be managed with a healthy lifestyle.  If your levels of cholesterol are on the high side it could mean your body is giving you a warning and it would be a good idea to review the type of lifestyle you live.  It is recommended that you visit your physician on a regular basis to keep a keen eye on your levels.

The purpose of this website is to inform, educate and provide healthful options so you can make better decisions on how to obtain a healthy cholesterol level.