Normal Level of Cholesterol

While cholesterol is necessary for the body's function, having too much of it in your blood can mean you are at a higher risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Keeping cholesterol levels at a normal level can mean a longer and healthier life, free from heart disease.

What Is Cholesterol?

• A waxy, fat-like substance, cholesterol is found in almost all areas of the body, including the brain, nerves, skin, liver and heart. A fat-like substance in appearance, cholesterol has a number of functions and is present in hormones, vitamin D and acids the body uses to digest fats.

  The liver produces cholesterol in the body; however, people can ingest cholesterol form eating foods such as red meat, poultry and eggs. Cholesterol is only found in animal products.

  The body produces enough cholesterol on its own; however a certain amount of dietary cholesterol can be used by the body. When found in excess in the body, cholesterol can build up in arterial walls, which can harden the arteries and lead to heart disease.

LDL

• There are two types of cholesterol found in the body and both are transferred via blood particles known as lipoproteins. The first is low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is also known as "bad" cholesterol. This type of cholesterol can build up in the arteries and cause heart disease.

HDL

• High-density lipoproteins are known as "good" cholesterol. These cholesterols take away excess cholesterol in the blood, preventing cholesterol buildup.

How It's Measured

• Cholesterol is expressed in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). It is tested via a lipoprotein profile that should be conducted at age 20, then every five years thereafter. The test requires a 9- to 12-hour fast free from foods, liquids or pills. The results are measured in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.

Normal Levels

• The American Heart Association makes the following determinations in terms of total cholesterol levels:
  Less than 200 mg/dL: acceptable to ideal
  200 to 239 mg/dL: borderline high
  240 mg/dL and above: very high and typically equals an increased risk for heart disease

  HDL Cholesterol Levels (higher is better)
  Less than 40 mg/dL (men): low cholesterol and an increased risk for heart disease
  Less than 50 mg/dL (women): low cholesterol and an increased risk for heart disease
  60 mg/dL and above: high HDL cholesterol that is protective against heart disease

  LDL Cholesterol Levels (lower is better)
  Less than 100 mg/dL: Ideal
  100 to 129 mg/dL: near or almost optimal
  130 to 159 mg/dL: borderline high
  160 to 189 mg/DL: high
  190 mg/dL and above: very high

Ways to Raise HDL

• Drinking three cups (8 ounces) of orange juice per day has been shown to increase HDL levels.

  Consuming foods high in niacin, such as white-meat chicken, salmon, trout, peanuts, ground beef and peanut butter.

  Consuming products high in soy, such as soy milk, tofu, and edamame, can increase HDL levels.

  Cooking with healthy fats, such as olive oil, may boost levels.

  Ceasing smoking as well as engaging in regular exercises can raise HDL levels.

Ways to Reduce LDL

• Just as raising HDL cholesterol requires incorporating more foods into your diet, lowering LDL cholesterol often require eating less of certain foods. These include avoiding foods high in saturated fats, such as meat, eggs and cheese. Consuming a diet high in fiber, such as through eating whole grains, nuts and flax, may also help to lower LDL cholesterols. Regular exercise also can reduce LDL levels.

  A physician may also prescribe cholesterol-lowering statin medications, which have been shown to reduce cholesterol 20 to 40 percent, according to U.S. News & World Report.