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Normal Cholesterol Levels & Symptoms

If you are at risk for or have heart disease then you will need to keep your cholesterol levels in check. Having unhealthy levels of cholesterol puts you at a high risk of heart attack and stroke. Your cholesterol level can be easily checked with a simple blood test.

  1. Identification

    • Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is found in certain foods. It is also made by the liver. Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly. Too much cholesterol can build up as plaque in your arteries.

    Total Cholesterol Levels

    • A healthy or normal total cholesterol level is one that is two hundred or less. However, even though your total cholesterol level may be in a healthy range, you also need to be concerned about the two main types of cholesterol.

    Low Density Lipoproteins

    • Low density lipoproteins, or LDL's, are considered bad cholesterol because it helps cholesterol build up in the body. A normal LDL level is between 100 to 129 mg/dl. Having a level that is under 100 mg/dl is encouraged.

    High Density Lipoproteins

    • High density lipoproteins, or HDL's, are considered the good cholesterol because it helps your body get rid of excess cholesterol. A normal HDL level is 40 to 50 mg/dl. Having a level 60 mg. HDL or higher lowers your risk of heart disease even more.

    Symptoms

    • If your cholesterol readings are at normal levels or even elevated levels, you will have no symptoms. This is why you need to have your levels checked.

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