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The Math of Cholesterol
The Math of Cholesterol Adding up the Numbers to Check
your Health
Checking your cholesterol used to be an easy affair, with your
doctor reporting to you one number.
However, as medical science has advanced, cholesterol knowledge
has changed and three or more numbers are typically now reported.
The math of cholesterol getting more than one number can be
confusing, and even if your doctor explains it to you in the examination room, it is
difficult to remember once you get home.
This can also be confusing if you purchase a home cholesterol
testing kit. The math of cholesterol is not as difficult as it seems, however, and by
learning the differences between the numbers, you can understand how to keep your body
healthy.
First, you will be given a number for LDL cholesterol, or low
density lipoprotein cholesterol. This is commonly referred to as "bad cholesterol" and you
can remember this by using the L to stand for Lower you want to be sure to lower this type of
cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol makes up about 65-75% of your total cholesterol
level, and everyone should seek for a number lower than 130.
Because LDL cholesterol is the type that causes heart attacks, if
you have other risk factors such as obesity or a family history of heart disease, you want to
keep this number even lower, less than 100 if possible.
Diet is the main way to lower high LDL levels.
The second number on your cholesterol report is your HDL
cholesterol, or high density lipoprotein cholesterol. This is commonly referred to as "good
cholesterol" and you can remember this by using the H to stand for healthy-high levels of HDL
cholesterol are encouraged.
The math of cholesterol a value of 35 or higher is
recommended for men, and 40 or higher for women. Women have an easier time raising HDL levels
than men do, but this can be done through exercise and not smoking.
The last number on your report will be a total cholesterol level,
although if you add your LDL and HDL numbers, you will not get the total, as there are other
cholesterol levels measured as well.
It is most important to worry about LDL and HDL if you keep these
numbers at normal levels, your total cholesterol level will be fine.
Consult your doctor if you have further questions, and remember
that good cholesterol should not need to be dependent on medication.
By exercising regularly, eating a low cholesterol diet, and living
a healthy lifestyle, you can usually keep these levels under control.
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