Your blood cholesterol level has a lot to do with your chances of getting heat disease. High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. A risk factor is a condition that increases your chance of getting a disease.
How Does Your Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease?
When there is too much cholesterol (a fat-like substance) in your blood, it builds up in the walls of your arteries. Over time, this causes your arteries to get hard or stiff and they can become narrowed. This can slow or block blood flow to the heart. If this happens, you may suffer chest pain or a heart attack.
What Do Your Cholesterol Numbers Mean?
Total Cholesterol Level |
Category |
Less than 200 mg/dL |
Desirable |
200-239 mg/dL |
Borderline High |
240 mg/dL and above |
High |
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.
LDL Cholesterol Level |
LDL-Cholesterol Category |
Less than 100 mg/dL |
Optimal |
100-129 mg/dL |
Near Optimal/Above Optimal |
130-159 mg/dL |
Borderline High |
160-189 mg/dL |
High |
190 mg/dL and above |
Very High |
HDL (good) cholesterol protects against heart disease. Higher numbers are better. Less than 40 increases your risk for developing heart disease; 60 or more helps to lower your risk for heart disease.
Everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every five years.
What Can You Do?
To Lower Total Cholesterol
To Lower LDL
To Raise HDL
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