

HDL: The higher this number, the better.If your triglycerides are high and your LDL is also high or your HDL is low, you’re at risk of developing atherosclerosis. Triglycerides: This number should be below 150 mg/dL.Total blood cholesterol: This includes your HDL, LDL, and 20 percent of your total triglycerides.When you get your cholesterol numbers checked, you’ll receive results for:

The only way to find out if your cholesterol is high is through a blood test that measures cholesterol in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). You may not even know it because high cholesterol doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. Oxygen deprivation to your organs or arteries may lead to kidney disease or peripheral arterial disease, in addition to a heart attack or stroke.Īccording to the Centers for Disease Control, over 31 percent of Americans have high LDL cholesterol. Plaque buildup may also reduce blood flow and oxygen to major organs. If a blood clot breaks away and blocks an artery in your heart or brain, you may have a stroke or heart attack. This can increase the risk of blood clots in your arteries. Too much cholesterol in your arteries may lead to a buildup of plaque known as atherosclerosis. LDL is called “bad cholesterol” because it takes cholesterol to your arteries, where it may collect in artery walls. HDL helps rid your body of excess cholesterol so it’s less likely to end up in your arteries. HDL is known as “good cholesterol” because it transports cholesterol to your liver to be expelled from your body. Cholesterol moves through your body while inside lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are made of fat and proteins. There are two main types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
