What Are Normal Cholesterol Levels

Although cholesterol serves many essential roles in maintaining our bodies in good health is receiving more attention when it is harmful to our body. It is harmful when it is too much in the body. We produce about 80% of cholesterol that is needed in the body naturally in the liver. The rest is obtained through diet means. However, when too much cholesterol is consumed through dietary means then the cholesterol level becomes elevated and this may lead to health problems. Thickening of the arteries is a common consequence of high cholesterol. This can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. So what is a normal cholesterol level? This article will give you facts and figures according to the American Heart Association and explain what they mean.

guidelines by the American Heart Association are as follows:

Total cholesterol:

less than 200 mg / dl is a desirable outcome (mg / dl stands for milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood ).

of 200 mg / dl to 239mg/dl is considered high-risk limits.

240 mg / dl is considered to be at high risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.

Total cholesterol includes LDL and HDL cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol is considered bad cholesterol because it tends to stick to the wall of the arteries leading to atherosclerosis and eventually heart disease.

guidelines for LDL cholestrol is:

Less than 100mg/dl is optimal

100mg/dl to 129 mg / dL is near optimal

130mg/dl to 159mg/dl is too high

160mg/dl to 189mg/dl large

190mg/dl is very high

HDL cholesterol is considered good cholesterol because it helps transport excess cholesterol back to the liver where it is excreted.

guidelines for HDL cholesterol is higher it is bolje.Prag 40mg/dl for men and 50mg/dl for women. Any lower than those readings would be considered high risk for heart disease.

key to reducing LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol is to eat a healthy diet of fresh and low fat foods. You should exercise regularly. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise a day. Stop smoking because it reduces the amount of HDL cholesterol in the body.