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High HDL & LDL Cholesterol Risks

When it comes to achieving good health, much of the focus is on cholesterol. Your cholesterol reading is a gauge for maintaining a healthy heart. When the combined number of high-density lipoproteins (HDL, sometimes called "good cholesterol") and low-density lipoproteins (LDL, sometimes called "bad cholesterol") is too high, you are at risk for a number of health problems, including heart disease. But it's never too late to improve your cholesterol levels. Understanding your cholesterol readings, knowing the risks involved and implementing measures to increase your HDL and lower your LDL all help in maintaining a healthy body.

  1. Ideal HDL Levels

    • Ask your doctor about a lipoprotein profile. This is a blood test that determines your cholesterol numbers. It also tests for triglycerides, which indicate the level of fat in your body.

      HDL reduces your cholesterol, so the higher your HDL number, the better. An average HDL level for men is 40 to 50mg/dL, while for women, it's 50 to 60mg/dL. The ideal HDL level for men and women is 60mg/dL and above.

      Even though you may have a high HDL number, your total cholesterol reading might be in the risk zone (above 200mg/dL) because your LDL and triglyceride numbers are too high.

    When LDL Cholesterol Is High

    • Set an LDL goal. LDL increases your cholesterol level, so this number is important, because the higher it is, the greater your risk for a heart attack or stroke. An LDL level of 190mg/dL and above is very high. A preferred LDL reading is less than 100mg/dL, with less than 70mg/dL preferred.

      Once you know your LDL number, set a goal to lower it by 10mg/dL by your next blood test. Continue to set LDL goals until you get the number below 100mg/dL.

    The Benefits of a High HDL

    • Map out ways you can maintain a heart healthy lifestyle. Having high HDL levels lowers your risk of heart disease. This is important, especially if your family has a history of heart attacks and strokes.

      You benefit from maintaining high HDL because it prevents atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries. HDL stops cholesterol particles from accumulating on artery walls.

    Risks of High LDL

    • Become aware of the health risks associated with high LDL levels. As LDL builds up, plaque forms in the inner walls of your arteries. This leads to atherosclerosis, which puts you at risk for heart attack and stroke.

      Too much LDL in your blood also puts you at risk for coronary heart disease. Your risk factor becomes even greater if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.

    How to Increase Your High HDL

    • Identify ways to increase your HDL. Lifestyle changes are the easiest way to increase the good cholesterol in your blood. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, try to quit or reduce your intake. It's also important to maintain a healthy weight and to get at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise at least every other day.

      A healthy diet low in fat also contributes significantly to increasing your HDL cholesterol. Choose poultry, fish, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, high-fiber foods and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.

    How to Lower Your High-LDL Risk

    • Ask your doctor for a low-cholesterol diet. Losing weight by eliminating foods high in trans fats and saturated fat is a good way to start lowering your LDL levels. Try replacing red meats with leaner meats, fish and poultry. Regular exercise is also a key component to lowering LDL cholesterol.

      If lifestyle changes are not working to lower your LDL enough, your doctor may prescribe drugs to complement your lifestyle changes.

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