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Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels.
We explain what healthy cholesterol levels are for adults and children. Also, learn about lifestyle changes and medications to help lower your cholesterol.
Your cholesterol levels show how much cholesterol is circulating in your blood. Your HDL (“good” cholesterol) is the one number you want to be high (ideally above 60). Your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) should be below 100. Your total should be below 200.
You need some cholesterol in your blood to build healthy cells. But high cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. Lifestyle changes can help.
Hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) is an excess of lipids or fats in your blood. This can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke because blood can’t flow through your arteries easily. Adding exercise and healthy foods can lower your cholesterol. Some people need medication as well.
The good news is that high cholesterol can be lowered, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. If you’re 20 years or older, have your cholesterol tested and work with your health care professional to adjust your cholesterol levels as needed.
Studies suggest that an optimal total cholesterol level is about 150 mg/dL, with LDL-C at or below 100 mg/dL, and adults with LDL-C in this level have lower rates of heart disease and stroke. Talk to your health care professional.