Cholesterol screenings provide a wealth of information to doctors regarding the condition of the heart and cardiovascular system. However, patients who have this screening done may be confused by the rather complex results they receive. This article will shed some light on a cholesterol level chart so patients have a better idea of what the results mean to their health.

Ranges Of Cholesterol Level
The first thing to understand when reading a cholesterol level chart is that the norm for cholesterol numbers is offered in ranges. There is no precise cholesterol number that is ideal. Instead, patients are advised to maintain a cholesterol reading that will falls within the normal range. There is one range for normal, near optimal, borderline high and one for high. This will indicate whether your cholesterol is nothing to worry about or whether you should begin to take steps to bring your numbers down. If your cholesterol level chart says your cholesterol is in the high range, your doctor may also prescribe medication to help you bring your levels down more quickly to avoid the health risks.

Types of Cholesterol

A cholesterol level chart will also include readings for different types of cholesterol. High density lipoproteins, or HDL, are considered the “good” cholesterol that can be eliminated effectively from the body. These numbers should be higher rather than lower. Low density lipoproteins, or LDL, are the “bad” cholesterol that remains in the body, forming artery-clogging plaque. The LDL number should be as low as possible on a normal cholesterol level chart. Total cholesterol takes both of these numbers into consideration. The lower the total cholesterol on a cholesterol level chart, the better.

Numbers Of Cholesterol Levels

Finally, you will see numbers on a cholesterol level chart that will indicate precisely where your cholesterol levels fall. The HDL reading should be 60 or more to be considered optimal. If your HDL is less than 40, doctors consider you at greater risk for cardiovascular disease. The LDL reading on the cholesterol level chart will ideally be at 100 or less. A number between 100 and 129 is considered near optimal and a number between 130 and 159 is borderline high. Anything over 160 is high and raises the risk factor for heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.

Total cholesterol numbers are also a significant piece of data on a cholesterol level chart. The ideal total cholesterol number is anything under 200. A number that falls between 200 and 239 is considered borderline high. A number over 240 is high, and considered a high risk factor. By understanding the numbers on a cholesterol level chart, you can take charge of your health and maintain a lower risk for a number of potentially serious conditions.

Too Much of a Good Thing

The problem is that the body cannot effectively eliminate cholesterol from the body when it is found in excess. Instead, the substance remains in the bloodstream, forming a plaque in the arteries that makes it much more difficult for blood to pass through freely. When blood cannot flow as easily, the heart must work that much harder to keep the blood moving through the body. This puts a strain on the heart, and places the person at much higher risk for cardiovascular disease and a heart attack.

This is why monitoring cholesterol levels becomes so important throughout adulthood. When high levels are detected, a doctor and patient can work together to bring amount back down through diet, exercise and medication. The good news is that most people can prevent or reverse high levels through these methods, allowing the heart to return to normal function. The key factor is to track cholesterol on a regular basis, so you know if levels are beginning to rise as soon as possible.

Types Of Cholestrerol

There is more than one type of cholesterol found in the body. The first is low density lipoproteins, or LDL. LDL delivers cholesterol to the body, so the lower the number of LDL, the better for the patient. High density lipoproteins, or HDL, help remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. A higher HDL generally means a healthier cardiovascular system. The numbers are figured individually and then factored together for a complete cholesterol level that provides a good indication of the overall health of the cardiovascular system.

Understanding cholesterol is an important step in keeping your cardiovascular system working in top condition. Regular monitoring of levels will let you know if you are on the right track with your health or if you need to make modifications to your diet and lifestyle for a healthier heart. If you are unsure of where your levels are at, talk to your doctor about a cholesterol screening. This simple blood test can provide plenty of valuable information about how to keep your body in the healthiest condition possible.

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