Do you know that every year, about 500,000 persons in America suffer from heart disease? One of the main reasons behind this huge number is high cholesterol levels. According to studies, if people lower their cholesterol levels, the risk of heart disease will be reduced by up to 40 percent. But what are these cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol levels include the numbers that will indicate whether the cholesterol in your body is desirable, borderline, or less desirable and high risk. By knowing these levels, you will become aware of your condition, allowing you to take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of heart disease. If your cholesterol has already reached the high-risk level, you can seek medical attention at once for cholesterol medication.

The numbers of cholesterol levels include the average figures for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol.

The total cholesterol is HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol combined. The ideal level for this is approximately 200mg/dL or less. This is a desirable level and means that you have a relatively small risk of heart attack. But if the level is 200 to 240mg/dL, it is already considered borderline. Any figure higher than 240mg/dL means you are at a high risk for both heart attack and stroke. Meanwhile, the desirable level for HDL cholesterol level is above 45mg/dL, the HDL borderline is 35 to 45mg/dL, and high risk is below 35mg/dL. For LDL cholesterol, the desirable figure is below 130mg/dL, borderline is 130 to 160mg/dL, and high risk is above 160mg/dL.

Aside from these numbers, there are two other ways to get a complete reading on cholesterol levels: the total cholesterol and HDL ratio, and the LDL and HDL ratio.

The total cholesterol and HDL ratio is considered desirable at 4.5 and below, borderline is 4.5 to 5.5, and high risk is above 5.5. The LDL and HDL ratio, on the other hand, is considered desirable at 3 and below, borderline is 3 to 5, and high risk is above 5.

All these numbers can help you monitor your cholesterol levels. If your level is still desirable, it is best to maintain it by sticking to a healthy diet and exercise. If your cholesterol level is already at high risk for heart disease, you should seek medical attention at once.