Cholesterol Range Chart

Cholesterol is a fat like substance that is defined as waxy alcohol that occurs naturally in the human body. Cholesterol is needed by the body to function normally as well as to help in membrane permeability and fluidity. This is in case of recommended cholesterol numbers for a healthy body. However, if one has excess of cholesterol, it will lead to a number of health problems. When the levels are higher than those recommended in any normal cholesterol range chart, the excess cholesterol sticks to the artery walls. This cholesterol is called plaque, which gradually narrows the arteries causing a block. This block causes a decrease in supply of blood to the different muscles in the body. In case of heart block, it leads to a heart attack. If an artery of the brain gets blocked it leads to a stroke. Let us look at the various cholesterol range charts in the following paragraphs.

Recommended Cholesterol Numbers

According to the National Cholesterol Education Program, the following is a list of recommended cholesterol numbers that one should have in the body:

• Normal Blood Cholesterol: < 200 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 200 - 239 mg/dL
• High Cholesterol: >240 mg/dL

LDL Cholesterol Levels Chart
The LDL cholesterol or low density lipoprotein is called 'bad cholesterol'. If there is too much of this bad cholesterol in the body, it sticks to the walls of arteries. This causes a lot of problems with blood circulation, leading to increase in risks of heart diseases and stroke. In case of high levels, you should consider a low cholesterol diet. Let's have a look at the LDL cholesterol levels chart for a better idea.

LDL Cholesterol Range Chart
Less than 100	Optimal Level
100 - 129	Close to Optimal
130 - 159	Borderline High
160 - 189	High
190 or higher	Very High

HDL Cholesterol Levels Chart
High density lipoprotein, or HDL is the good cholesterol in the body. HDL helps in clearing the bad cholesterol or LDL from the body. It thus, helps in decreasing the risk of heart diseases as well as stroke. The following is an HDL cholesterol level chart. You can even refer to the normal HDL and LDL levels chart and understand the right range of cholesterol needed for a healthy body.

HDL Cholesterol Range Chart
60 or Higher	Optimal
40 - 59	Close to Optimal
Less than 40	High Risk

Triglycerides Range Chart
Triglycerides (TG) are not similar to cholesterol as they are a different form of fat. They are always tested along with the level of cholesterol. Triglycerides help clot blood and higher levels of this fat increases risk of heart attacks and stroke. They also lower the levels of HDL in the body.

Triglycerides Level Chart
Less than 150	Optimal Goal
150 - 199	Borderline High
200 - 499	High
500 or Higher	Very High

Total Cholesterol Levels Chart
The total amount of LDL, HDL, and VLDL together form total cholesterol levels. The following is a total cholesterol range chart that contains the recommended cholesterol number.

Total Cholesterol Range Chart
Less than 200	Optimal Goal
200 - 239	Borderline High
240 or Higher	High

Cholesterol Foods Chart

You must have understood the recommended cholesterol numbers in your body from the above cholesterol range charts. But are you aware of the foods that increase the cholesterol count in your system? There are many foods in our diet, that may cause considerable increase in bad cholesterol or LDL in our body, if eaten in excess. The following cholesterol foods chart will cover some of the high cholesterol foods to avoid.

Foods High in Cholesterol	Serving Size	Cholesterol Level
Boiled egg	1	225 mg
Cheddar cheese	1oz	19 mg
Butter	3.5oz	250 mg
Cream cheese	1oz	27 mg
Ice cream	3.5oz	45 mg
Beefsteak	3.5oz	70 mg
Chicken	3.5oz	60 mg
Lamb	3.5oz	70 mg
Kidney, beef	3.5oz	375 mg
Liver, beef	3.5oz	300 mg

This was some information related to cholesterol range chart and cholesterol foods chart. Any person over 20 years should get their cholesterol tested every 5 years. Men over the age of 45 and women over 50 years should carry out regular cholesterol level tests. If you have high blood cholesterol levels, you should start following the best diet to lower cholesterol. This low cholesterol diet should contain foods that lower cholesterol naturally. Hope this article has helped you understand the recommended cholesterol number and the ways to improve your blood cholesterol levels.