Home / Blog / Heart Health / What Is the Difference Between Good and Bad Cholesterol? Show
Heart Health Originally published July 11, 2017 Last reviewed September 1, 2022 Reading Time: 2 minutes Cholesterol — a waxy substance that builds in the arteries — is not completely harmful, despite its reputation for being bad for you. In fact, some of it can even improve your health when consumed in the right amounts. The physicians at the USC Cardiac and Vascular Institute at Keck Medicine of USC can measure your good cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels, and help you adopt healthier eating and living habits so you can achieve the best balance of both. What are the different types of cholesterol?There are two types: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). As a general rule, HDL is considered “good” cholesterol, while LDL is considered “bad.” This is because HDL carries cholesterol to your liver, where it can be removed from your bloodstream before it builds up in your arteries. LDL, on the other hand, takes cholesterol directly to your arteries. This can result in atherosclerosis, a plaque buildup that can even cause heart attack and stroke.Triglycerides make up the third component of cholesterol and act as unused calories that are stored as fat in the blood. Eating more calories than you burn can cause triglycerides to build up in the bloodstream, increasing your risk for heart attacks. Understanding your numbersMore than one-third of Americans suffer from high LDL cholesterol, so it’s important to see your physician to learn your cholesterol counts — or the amount of cholesterol in your blood — and closely monitor them. Your physician will perform a simple blood test and check your other risk factors to find your counts. An LDL count of 100 or less is considered healthy. Your HDL count should be at least 40 (or 50 if you’re female) or greater. Healthy triglyceride counts are 150 or less. Your “numbers,” or total HDL and LDL cholesterol plus triglycerides, should add up to no more than 200. If your numbers are higher than 200, check with your physician — you may have a higher HDL count, which is not unhealthy. Keep your cholesterol counts under controlMaintaining healthy levels of cholesterol is manageable. Medication is key, along with eating a healthy diet with lots of vegetables and getting regular exercise. Topicscardiovascular disease cholesterol high-density lipoprotein (HDL) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) Why are my cholesterol numbers important?Your cholesterol numbers are important because they help you know your risk for heart disease. Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) that helps your body perform many important functions. But too much cholesterol in your blood is bad for you. It can enter your artery wall, damage its integrity and lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque (hardened deposits). This process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis. It can lead to serious problems like:
Cholesterol travels through your blood silently. And it turns into plaque silently. Plaque buildup is like someone tip-toeing on carpet. You might not see or notice its presence for a long time. You may have no symptoms until you have a heart attack or stroke. At that point, the plaque is like high heels on a hardwood floor. And it’s already caused serious damage to your body. You can live for many years with high cholesterol and not even know it. That’s why it’s essential to get your cholesterol numbers checked on a regular basis. If your cholesterol numbers are too high (hyperlipidemia), that’s a red flag for you and your healthcare provider. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. But catching it early gives you a chance to make changes and get your cholesterol to a healthy level. Cholesterol numbers in the heart-healthy range can help lower your risk of heart disease. What kind of test measures cholesterol?Your provider checks your cholesterol levels through a blood test called a lipid panel (or lipid profile). Your provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm and send the blood to a lab for analysis. Be sure to closely follow your provider’s instructions on how to prepare for the test. You’ll likely need to fast for 12 hours beforehand. This means avoiding all foods and drinks except water. When your results come in, your provider will let you know. You may also be able to access your results through your electronic medical record. Your lipid panel gives you the following numbers:
What is the unit of measurement for cholesterol?Healthcare providers measure cholesterol levels as milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. The abbreviation is mg/dL. Providers use these same units to measure your triglycerides. What are normal cholesterol levels?Normal cholesterol levels vary based on your age and sex assigned at birth. Normal cholesterol levels by age chartThe chart below shows normal cholesterol levels. Healthcare providers consider these numbers healthy for most people. If you have heart disease or many risk factors, your LDL target may be different. Your healthcare provider may want your LDL level to be below 70 mg/dL. So, it’s important to talk with your provider about your test results and what they mean for you. All units in the chart below are mg/dL.
As you review your results, remember that you want your LDL to be low and your HDL to be high. Ideally, your HDL should be above 60. It’s the helpful cholesterol. An HDL above 60 offers you protection against heart disease. Sex-based differencesMost normal cholesterol levels are the same regardless of your sex. But there is one key difference among adults. That’s your HDL number. As the chart above shows, people assigned female at birth need a higher HDL level (at least 50) compared with people assigned male at birth (at least 40). What’s considered high cholesterol?High cholesterol generally means your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or higher. But providers use additional categories like “borderline high” and “near optimal” to break down your results. If your numbers are close to normal levels, they may be easier to manage through lifestyle and dietary changes. High cholesterol levels by age chartThe chart below shows cholesterol levels that are higher than normal. All units are mg/dL.
How often should I get my cholesterol checked?Your provider will tell you how often you need your cholesterol checked. It depends on your:
Children and teens age 19 and younger should get their first test between ages 9 and 11. Then, they should receive a test every five years. Your child’s provider may recommend starting at a younger age based on family history. Here are general guidelines for adults based on sex and age. People assigned male at birth
People assigned female at birth
I just learned I have high cholesterol. Now what?You may feel upset to learn you have high cholesterol. But now that you know about it, you can take action to lower your numbers. Follow your provider’s guidance on how to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. Some general tips include:
Most of all, don’t blame yourself. High cholesterol is a common condition that can be hard to control through lifestyle choices alone. And many factors beyond our control limit the choices we can make. Be kind to yourself, and remember that your cholesterol numbers don’t define you as a person. They simply give you a window into what’s happening inside your body. Your provider will help you use that information to plan your treatment and keep your arteries healthy for a long time to come. A note from Cleveland Clinic Knowing your cholesterol numbers can help you learn your risk for heart disease. But keep in mind that your cholesterol numbers are just part of the story. Your provider will also look at other aspects of your health to learn more about your risks. So, if your numbers fall outside the normal range, don’t panic. Talk with your provider about what your cholesterol levels mean in the context of your overall health. And work with your provider to get your numbers back to a healthier place. What is a good LDL and HDL level?Your HDL (“good” cholesterol) is the one number you want to be high (ideally above 60). Your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) should be below 100. Your total should be below 200. Talk with your provider about what your results mean for you and how to manage your cholesterol.
What are the 3 types of cholesterol?The types of cholesterol and lipoproteins include:. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or Bad Cholesterol — Plaque Builder. ... . High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or Good Cholesterol — The Bad Cholesterol Eater. ... . Triglycerides — Blood Fats. ... . Lp(a) Cholesterol.. Which cholesterol is bad?LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad” cholesterol, because it contributes to fatty buildups in arteries (atherosclerosis). This narrows the arteries and increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
|