Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals | Bruce Greenstein, Secretary

Cholesterol Facts

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance naturally produced by the liver in our bodies. It is essential for the production of hormones and Vitamin D and an integral part of cell membranes. The level produced by our bodies is safe in most people.

Why is it dangerous?

When we eat foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol (called dietary cholesterol), it can raise our total cholesterol to a dangerous level. When our bodies cannot use all of the cholesterol, it is deposited along the arterial walls as plaque. The plaque hardens and leads to stenosis and atherosclerosis. As the plaque builds up, it contributes to the formation of blood clots. A person with high cholesterol levels is at great risk for a heart attack or stroke. Adults age 20 and over should have their cholesterol checked at least every five years.

What is "Good" and "Bad" cholesterol?

Total cholesterol is made up of two components, High density Lipoproteins (HDL) and Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL). HDL is the "good" cholesterol. It carries cholesterol through the blood but instead of depositing the excess on the arterial wall, it returns it to the liver. A high HDL number is associated with reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.

LDL is the "bad" cholesterol. It circulates around the body depositing cholesterol where it is needed. But if there is excess, it is deposited along the arterial wall and turns into plaque. A person with a high LDL number is at great risk for heart attack or stroke.

What are the numbers?

Total Cholesterol	Less than 200 mg/dl	Desirable
	200 to 239 mg/dl	Borderline High
	240 mg/dl and above	High (twice the risk of having heart attack or stroke as someone with 200 mg/dl or below)

 

HDL	60 mg/dl and above	Protective against heart disease
	40 to 59 mg/dl	Some risk
	Less than 40 mg/dl	Major risk for heart disease and stroke

LDL	Less than 100 mg/dl	Optimal
	100 to 129 mg/dl	Near optimal
	130 to 159 mg/dl	Borderline High
	160 mg/dl to 189 mg/dl	High
	190 mg/dl and above	Very High (Talk to your doctor)

What can I do?

You can lower your cholesterol by doing three things on your own:

1. Include whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, and fish in your diet. Choose meats lower in saturated fat and cholesterol.
2. Lose weight if you are overweight.
3. Become physically active to lower your LDL number and raise your HDL number. (Current recommendation is 30 minutes per day most days of the week.)

Adults age 20 and over should have their cholesterol checked at least every five years.