Your Cholesterol Levels

Your Cholesterol Levels

Author: Ken MacKenzie

As part of your regular checkup, it is likely that the doctor
will order bloodwork that among other things will measure your
levels of total cholesterol and also High Density Lipoproteins
(HDL). Should the numbers show outside of the normal range, your
doctor may ask for a fasting cholesterol test. For this, you
won't eat or drink other than water for twelve hours prior to
the test. This test will show your Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
and triglyceride levels, in addition to the total cholesterol
and HDL.

The National Cholesterol Education Program has presented goal
cholesterol levels, which are as follows:

Total Cholesterol Level (mg/dl) Desirable: Below 200 Borderline:
200-239 Undesirable: 240 and above

LDL Cholesterol (mg/dl) Desirable: Below 100 Above Average:
100-129 Borderline: 130-159 Undesirable: 160-189 Very
Undesirable: 190 and above

HDL Cholesterol (mg/dl) Desirable: Above 60 Borderline: 40-60
Undesirable: Below 40

Serum Triglycerides (mg/dl) Normal: Below 150 Borderline:
150-199 Undesirable: 200-499 Very Undesirable: 500 or above

Some laboratories will calculate the cholesterol ratio
(total/HDL), but it is far more important to get the individual
numbers for the total cholesterol, HDL and LDL. Notice that
lower numbers are desirable for everything except HDL. The high
density lipoproteins are known as good cholesterol. If your HDL
levels are lower than 40 mg/dl, you can increase them by
Quitting smoking Losing weight Getting physically active for at
least 30-60 minutes per day.

Your cholesterol levels, along with your other risk factors will
determine the course of action that your physician will
recommend. Some of these risk factors are Obesity Family history
Lack of physical activity Age Sex Alcohol consumption Stress
Body shape Diabetes Smoking

Some of these factors you have no control over, such as age,
family history and sex. But you need to take care of business
with the others. Quitting smoking is a given. Adding exercise to
your daily schedule can help you with multiple factors,
including reducing weight, reducing stress and lowering
cholesterol levels. Watch your diet by eating less saturated
fats and trans fats.

Another alternative treatment method is medication. There are
many to choose from, prescription and non-prescription, but
there may be side effects or they may react unfavorably with
other medicines that you are taking. Be sure to check with your
physician before trying any of these.

Make sure to check with your physician before starting any new
diet or exercise regimen.

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About the author:
Ken is a successful writer and online entrepreneur. He has
developed <a href="http://www.lower-your-cholesterol.net">Lower
Your Cholesterol</A> as a portal for presenting articles,
information, resources and links about lowering your
cholesterol.

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Your Cholesterol Levels