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high cholesterol 101
By Becky Mollenkamp
Find out what you need to know about high cholesterol risk factors, treatment, and prevention.
By reducing your cholesterol, you can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Here is what you need to know to make smart decisions about cholesterol.
High cholesterol: Cholesterol is found in every cell of the body and is essential for many processes, including digesting fat and producing hormones. However, an excess of cholesterol, either through overproduction by the liver or through too much dietary cholesterol, can cause serious health problems.
There are two types of cholesterol:
- HDL: This “good” cholesterol stands for high-density lipoproteins. They help carry cholesterol through the body so it can be broken down. A higher number is better.
- LDL: This “bad” cholesterol is short for low-density lipoproteins. They are one of the components of artery-clogging plaque. A lower number is better.
Total cholesterol
Normal: below 200 mg/dL
Borderline high: 200–239 mg/dL
High: 240 mg/dL and higher
LDL cholesterol
Normal: below 100 mg/dL
Borderline high: 100–129 mg/dL
High: 130 mg/dL and higher
HDL cholesterol
Normal: 60 mg/dL and higher
Borderline low: 40–59 mg/dL
Low: 40 mg/d and lower
Triglycerides
Normal: 150 mg/dL and lower
Borderline high: 150–199 mg/dL
High: 200 mg/dL and higher
What Causes High Cholesterol?
Every person inherits genes that influence his or her cholesterol level. A diet high in saturated fat and trans fat can also increase blood cholesterol, as can obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
The problem with high cholesterol: Deposits of cholesterol (called plaque) can form inside the arteries and block blood flow. This buildup (called atherosclerosis) can block coronary arteries, which increases the risk of a heart attack. Plaque can also decrease blood flow to the brain, which can cause a stroke. In addition, ruptured plaque can cause blood clots that that may lead to stroke, heart attack, or sudden cardiac death.
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