Having your level of cholesterol read is very important if you have high blood cholesterol level. Cholesterol readings are the readings that consist of total cholesterol, low level lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol), triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL cholesterol). When you are having your cholesterol level checked by your doctor, it is vital that you have the cholesterol levels of the three (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.) checked. The desirable total cholesterol readings are 200mg/dL with a borderline limit of 200 mg/dL to 239mg/dL. You are at risk of having a heart disease of you have a total of 240mg/dL above cholesterol readings.
LDL Cholesterol
Low density lipoprotein is more known as the “bad” cholesterol. At high levels may possibly cause cholesterol deposits in the walls of the blood streams which increase the risk of possible heart disease. The desirable LDL cholesterol level is below 200 milligrams per deciliter or 200 mg/dL. The borderline limit of LDL is between 200-239mg/dL. It is dangerous if you have a LDL cholesterol level of 240mg/dL above.
HDL Cholesterol
High density lipoprotein is the “good” cholesterol. High density lipoprotein washes away excess cholesterol from the tissue to the liver. By which the liver breaks it down and it becomes part of the bile for removal. An HDL level of 40mg/dL is suggested. You must maintain your HDL level within 40mg/dL to 45mg/dL. It should not go below 40mg/dL. Levels above 60mg/dL are said to protect the heart and is beneficial to brain functions because it protect the cerebral blood vessels as well as coronary vessels.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fat. It is accumulated as fat in our body that flows in the blood stream. Almost all of the fats in our diet are triglycerides. Triglycerides are one of the main factors of heart disease. At high levels, it thickens the blood and may possibly lead to heart attack or stroke due to blood clotting. It is best that you maintain your triglyceride level at 150 below with a borderline limit of 150 to 199. It should not exceed 200 above.
In maintaining your cholesterol level, remember, there are no ideal cholesterol readings. Ideal cholesterol readings vary on each person. It will depend on the individual’s risk factor (family history, sex, health condition and age.). Though expert suggest that having a total of over 240mg/dL is an indication of a lifestyle change, because having over 24mg/dL of total cholesterol increases the risk of having heart problem. The new set of national guidelines recommended that those who have a high blood cholesterol level should be treated every 1 to 2 years. It is probably that one can have little benefit if one is being checked every 2-3 months unless one is on some kind of intensive therapy.
