Cholesterol: A General Overview

Cholesterol is required by the body in adequate amounts. However, there are healthy ways to consume cholesterol and certain ways to control the amounts and type of cholesterol within the blood.

Cholesterol is responsible as an aid to the construction and maintenance of new cells, for the production of certain hormones, and for the insulation of nerves. Too much cholesterol can increase overall chances of the development of certain conditions, primarily cardiovascular disease.

Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol is a combination of two types of cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoprotein), and HDL (high density lipoprotein). A cholesterol exam will actually yield three numbers, the LDL and HDL in addition to a total cholesterol level. Total cholesterol levels greater than 240 are considered to be high, while 200-239 is borderline high, and below 200 is considered to be desirable.

HDL (High Density Lipoproteins)

HDL is considered to be “good” cholesterol and is associated with an overall increase in health benefits, actually protecting against heart disease. A HDL level of 60 or higher is considered desirable, while a HDL level of less than 40 is associated with an overall increased risk of the development of heart disease.

Ratio: LDL/HDL and Total/HDL

Two ratios are commonly given with the completion of a cholesterol test including a ratio of bad to good cholesterol (LDL/HDL) and Total cholesterol/good cholesterol (Total/HDL). The ratio of total cholesterol to good cholesterol is commonly used to assess risk for the development of atherosclerosis. Higher ratios indicate a higher risk.

In short, the presence of high total cholesterol with a high level of LDL and low level of HDL is undesirable. On the other hand lower total cholesterol with a higher presence of HDL and lower presence of LDL is desirable.

• Quit Smoking: A strong correlation exists between individuals that smoke and inadequate/lower levels of HDL in the blood.
• Exercise Regularly: Individuals that exercise on a regular basis are associated with higher levels of HDL in the blood.
• Maintain Healthy Weight: Individuals that maintain a healthy weight are also associated with having higher levels of HDL within the blood.
• Estrogen: Women typically have naturally higher levels of HDL, as estrogen increases overall HDL levels.
• Eat Healthy: Individuals that maintain a healthy diet that contains vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids are correlated with an increased incidence of more HDL cholesterol in the blood.
• Alcohol Consumption: Moderate alcohol use, particularly red wine, is considered to have an overall benefit to cholesterol levels, associated with increasing overall levels of HDL. However, if you are currently not a drinker, it is not suggested that you drink to raise your HDL levels, as there are also increased health risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Lifestyle Changes: Raising HDL

There are a variety of ways to change your lifestyle with the overall goal of raising HDL levels. Some of these lifestyle changes are easier than others, but small changes over periods of time can lead to increased health benefits. Changes made slowly are also typically easier to continue.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/lower-cholesterol-risk
http://www.medicinenet.com/cholesterol/page4.htm#tocd