Cholesterol Goals

It seems like everyone is talking about “good” cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Knowing how they affect your overall health is important in understanding what these numbers mean.

Bad cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) also is known as “bad” cholesterol. LDL is necessary in your body. However, high levels of LDL cholesterol can build up in your artery walls and contribute to heart attacks.

Good cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) also is known as “good” cholesterol. High levels of HDL cholesterol actually may help to clear away the damaging LDL cholesterol.

Triglycerides

Fats in your blood that increase after you eat are known as triglycerides. High triglycerides in your blood in the presence of high LDL cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease.

Total cholesterol

LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels make up the total cholesterol number. It is important that you know your numbers; so, ask your doctor to share the number with you and keep a record for reference. You want to see if the number is trending up or down, or if it is staying level.

Total cholesterol goal

dL=deciliter, mg=milligrams

HDL cholesterol goal

dL=deciliter, mg=milligrams

LDL cholesterol goal

dL=deciliter, mg=milligrams
Your LDL cholesterol goal depends on how many other risk factors you have. To learn more about risk factors, visit: http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/atpiii/calculator.asp?usertype=pub.

LDL cholesterol goals:

• If you do not have coronary heart disease or diabetes and have one or no risk factors, your LDL goal is less than 160 mg/dL
• If you do not have coronary heart disease or diabetes and have two or more risk factors, your LDL goal is less than 130 mg/dL
• If you do have coronary heart disease or diabetes, your LDL goal is less than 100 mg/dL

Triglyceride goal

dL=deciliter, mg=milligrams

Recommendations
Follow these recommendations:

• Reduce saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and total fat in your diet
• Control high blood pressure with diet and exercise, under a physician’s care
• Avoid tobacco smoke
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Monitor diabetic risk or manage diabetes
• Take any prescription medications your physician recommends to regulate your cholesterol, and continue with all of the above recommendations

Reference
American Heart Association. What is cholesterol? Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3046103. Accessed February 11, 2009.

Review Date 3/09
G-0956