Cholesterol Scores

Cholesterol scores confuse most people. Should one raise low cholesterol, or lower high cholesterol? What is the good cholesterol? What is the bad cholesterol? Even when one knows his cholesterol scores, it is difficult to know what to do with those numbers.

Cholesterol, in and of itself, is neither bad nor good. Cholesterol is fat that circulates in one’s blood stream. A healthy body manufactures cholesterol. It also absorbs cholesterol through the food one consumes. Carrying extra weight increases one’s cholesterol scores. Inactivity leads to high cholesterol. Cholesterol rises as one grows older. Finally, one’s overall health and one’s family health history influence his cholesterol scores. 

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol, clogs arteries, severely restricting the heart's ability to circulate blood effectively throughout the body. An LDL range of 100 to 129 is considered optimal. A measurement of 130 to 159 is borderline high. A range of 160 to 189 is high. A measurement of 190 or higher is exceptionally high. Individuals who are at risk for coronary artery disease benefit from lowering their LDL cholesterol. 

High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), the “good” cholesterol, helps keep fat from building up in one’s arteries. High levels of HDL cholesterol protect one’s heart. Individuals who are in danger of suffering from coronary artery disease benefit from raising their HDL cholesterol. 

Doctors present cholesterol scores as a combined LDL and HDL total. A combined score in excess of 240 is high. A combined total of 200 to 239 is borderline high. A combined score of fewer than 200 is optimal. One should always ask his doctor for the break down of LDL versus HDL in order to understand any risks or possible consequences of the total cholesterol score.