Ideal Cholesterol Levels

When understanding what your ideal cholesterol levels should be, it's important to take note of the fact that there are different types of cholesterol, and that the levels of these can have a significant impact on heart health. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that occurs naturally within the human body and is transported through the blood and found in cell membranes. It performs a number of important functions in the body, including the formation of hormones and tissue, and the manufacture of bile acids and fat soluble vitamins. When discussing cholesterol, there are generally three components that are referred to, Low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The levels of each individual component are taken into account when discussing cholesterol ratio and the ideal cholesterol levels, details of which are described below.

Although elevated cholesterol levels are not considered to be a disease, they can have a direct impact on heart health and cardiovascular function. To some extent, what you eat contributes to your cholesterol levels, but it is mainly how your liver makes cholesterol that counts. The following is a chart used for standard ideal cholesterol levels for men.

Blood Cholesterol Type	Desirable	Borderline High	High Risk
Total Blood Cholesterol	< 200	200-240	> 240
LDL Cholesterol	< 130	130-160	> 240
HDL Cholesterol	> 50	50-35	< 35
Triglycerides	< 150	150-500	> 500

When cholesterol levels in blood reach borderline or high risk levels, the factors that contribute towards this classification is the tendency of LDL cholesterol, to stick to the walls of blood vessels and arteries. This causes arterial blockage, which in turn, means that blood is unable to circulate freely through the body as it should. When an artery that leads to the heart or brain becomes blocked, it can lead to a serious condition like a heart attack or stroke - studies indicate that a person with cholesterol levels exceeding 240 mg/dl is twice as likely to develop and suffer from heart diseases than a person with lower or healthy levels. Typically, elevated cholesterol levels are seen more often in men than in women, and family history of high cholesterol, further increases the likelihood of developing this condition. Ideal cholesterol levels by age are reached by taking into account other contributing factors like family history, age, sex and any preexisting medical conditions like diabetes. For instance, a 20 year old male, with a family history of heart disease, and a borderline cholesterol level, is at higher risk, than a 70 year old male, with high cholesterol, no family history or existing medical conditions.

Ideal cholesterol levels for women are within the same range as those for men, and though fewer women than men tend to develop high cholesterol levels, menopausal women face a higher risk, possibly because of hormonal changes that can increase LDL cholesterol and reduce HDL cholesterol levels at this time. Cholesterol checks are recommended at 5 year intervals after the age of twenty, but more frequently for men over 40, and women over 50.

For Diabetics

People who have diabetes are reportedly at twice the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which is why maintaining the cholesterol within the normal cholesterol range is very important for a diabetic. Diabetes has shown a tendency to raise levels of LDL cholesterol and lower levels of HDL cholesterol, which in turn, contributes to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Since the level of risk is significantly greater, targets for ideal cholesterol levels are lower for LDL, and higher for HDL cholesterol, for people who suffer from diabetes. The following are cholesterol levels for diabetics aim for:

• LDL Cholesterol - Below 100mg/dl, preferably less than 70mg/dl
• HDL Cholesterol - Above 40mg/dl, preferably more than 60mg/dl
• Triglycerides - Below 150 mg/dl

Cholesterol can be controlled with a few changes in lifestyle and diet. If you're a smoker, quitting smoking can help increase HDL levels, and reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease. In addition, eating foods low in cholesterol that are recommended for cholesterol reduction, as well as regular exercise and adequate rest can help significantly in attaining ideal cholesterol levels. Once you incorporate these habits into your daily routine, you will not only improve your overall health, but will also benefit by keeping diseases at bay. Eat healthy, increase activity and lower stress - the key to a healthy life lies with you.