Cholesterol 101: Get to Know Your Numbers

You’ve heard the warning: Watch your cholesterol. But how do you know which numbers to monitor? And how do you know if your levels are good or bad?

The American Heart Association recommends starting cholesterol screenings at age 20 and following up every four to six years. Before your next screening, take the time to read through the cholesterol basics.

Use these definitions to help interpret your screening results:

• HDL: High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol helps remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol from arteries. “You want your HDL cholesterol level to be as high as possible,” says Andrew Sumner, MD, cardiologist at LVH Cardiology–1250 Cedar Crest.
• LDL: This cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup, which can put you at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke. “Aim to have a low LDL cholesterol level,” Sumner says.
• Total cholesterol: Refers to the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. It includes both HDL and LDL levels.
• Triglycerides: A type of fat found in the blood. “High levels of triglycerides are connected to a higher risk for heart disease,” Sumner says.

With these numbers, you can calculate your cholesterol to HDL ratio by dividing your total cholesterol by your HDL level. You should try to keep your cholesterol ratio below 5 to 1 – with the ideal ratio being 3.5 to 1. For instance, if your total cholesterol is 180 mg/dl and your HDL is 82 mg/dl, your cholesterol ratio is 2.2 to 1.

If your numbers seem off, you may have dyslipidemia, or an imbalanced amount of HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels in the blood. “This can lead to cardiovascular disease, which is why it’s important to have your cholesterol checked,” Sumner says.

Luckily, you can make lifestyle changes to help lower your LDL while boosting your HDL. Try these strategies:

• Follow a heart-healthy diet. Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats. Eat more soluble fiber.
• Maintain a healthy weight. “Weight loss can benefit both LDL and HDL levels,” Sumner says.
• Get regular physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, cycling or swimming laps, every week.
• Quit smoking. The habit is linked to lower HDL cholesterol as well as higher LDL cholesterol. Ask your primary care doctor or clinician for resources that can help you quit.

“Lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to make a difference for some,” Sumner says. Your doctor may prescribe you a statin, which is a type of cholesterol-lowering medication. Statins can reduce the chance of having a heart attack or stroke for people who already have or who are at risk for clogged arteries. Talk with your doctor about whether a statin might work for you.