When it comes to understanding what is involved in a healthy level of cholesterol in the system, there are several factors to consider. Gender plays a role in calculating the ideal cholesterol level, as well as the specific readings for good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Here are some general guidelines that will help you know if you have a problem or if your cholesterol readings are within reason.
At one time, determining the ideal cholesterol level involved nothing more than taking a general reading. To a degree, that overall reading is still somewhat indicative of a healthy cholesterol level. If the reading is under 200 mg/dL, there is a good change you are well within a safe range and not likely to develop heart disease. However, it is a good idea to investigate the cholesterol level in more detail to determine if there is a healthy balance between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol.
HDL, or high density cholesterol, is the good type. An ideal cholesterol reading for men would be at least 40 mg/dL, while women should have a healthy reading of no less than 50 mg/dL. Many physicians prefer that both men and women have HDL levels that are in the 60 to 80 mg/dl range, coupled with low readings of bad cholesterol.
LDL, or low density cholesterol, is considered the bad type and is more likely to be the root cause of heart diseases, including heart attacks. The object with LDL cholesterol is to keep it as low as possible. An ideal cholesterol level for bad cholesterol would be less than 100 mg/dL, although up to 129 mg/dL is considered within a normal range.
Maintaining ideal cholesterol ratios means taking a few basic steps to improve the quality of your life. Cutting back of food products that are high in cholesterol is a start. Adding foods that contain Omega-3 fats will also help to lower bad cholesterol. Regular exercise not only helps lower bad cholesterol but can also aid in raising HDL levels that have fallen below the 40 mg/dL mark. For people who smoke, quitting will make a huge difference in LDL cholesterol levels and help bring the overall reading back into an acceptable range.
In some cases, more is needed to correct an imbalance in cholesterol levels. Physicians can use a blood test to determine the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol in the blood and decide on a course of treatment. Today, there are many medications on the market today that have proven very effective in increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels while promoting a decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. When taken according to the instructions provided by a qualified physician, it is possible to alter the cholesterol ratio into a balance that is indicative of the ideal cholesterol level.
