Define Cholesterol - And Good Level Of Cholesterol Effect Health

 

Although your cholesterol level is not the only important indicator of your health, it is a good indicator of your risk for heart disease - the leading cause of death in more than 2,200 Americans every day.

 

What is cholesterol?

 

Cholesterol is a sticky, waxy fat that our bodies rely on to function. Our liver produces most of the cholesterol we need to survive each day. The rest comes from foods like shellfish, meat, and dairy products. Adequate cholesterol is necessary for the digestive process and the production of vitamin D and hormones.

 

Cholesterol is a type of lipoprotein that functions as an emulsion of lipids or fats. There are two types of lipoproteins that make up cholesterol in our body:

 

High-density lipoprotein the good cholesterol transports fat through the body to the liver for disposal.

 

Low-density lipoprotein is bad cholesterol because too much of it can lead to heart disease.

 

Total cholesterol is the sum of LDL and HDL.

 

Cholesterol itself is not harmful until it reaches a certain level. Excess LDL can form plaque on the artery walls, causing the artery walls to slow or stop blood flow. Excess LDL can cause atherosclerosis.

 

High levels of LDL cholesterol are a major cause of heart disease. Because people with high cholesterol have no warning signs or symptoms, it can be ignored until the damage is done. Family members who are obese, have a poor diet or have a medical history of high cholesterol are at increased risk for coronary artery disease.

 

Numbers to consider

 

Levels of good HDL cholesterol:

 

Less than 40 mg. for men and, less than 50 mg. for women usually indicate a high risk of heart disease.

 

The range is 40 mg to 49 mg. for men and 50 mg to 59 mg. for women.

 

The upper ideal is 49 ml and 59 ml. for men and women, respectively.

 

LDL bad cholesterol levels:

 

Less than 100 mg is ideal.

 

100 to 129 mg. are ideal.

 

The range is 130-159 mg.

 

High cholesterol is 160 to 189 mg.

 

Very high cholesterol is 190 mg or higher.

 

Total cholesterol;

 

Ideally less than 200mg.

 

200 to 239 mg are ideal.

 

High cholesterol is greater than 240mg.

 

For those over thirty, it is recommended to check cholesterol once a year. For the most accurate results, wait at least 9 hours before your blood test.