what is a good cholesterol level?

[Arienette]

hi hk... i just had a blood test last week, and i got the results back today. the doctor had called the other day to say that everything was fine. but, i'm curious what a "good" cholesterol level is.... mine was a 156. i know there's also the breakdown of the hdl and ldl or whatever, but i dont know which is which, or what's good. any insight would be appreciated!

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thanks rooster...
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[HordeKing1]

ARI - I hope you're feeling well.

The "good" cholesterol is called HDL, which stands for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The "bad" cholesterol is called LDL, which is short for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Although both types of cholesterol can be checked from one blood test, an LDL level requires fasting for about 12 hours before the test. (Testing total cholesterol and HDL levels does not require fasting)

Optimally, total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL and HDL-cholesterol is 40 mg/dL or greater.

When total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL and HDL cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL, the doc will typically check the LDL level.

With a total cholesterol level over 200 mg/dL and HDL levels of 40 mg./dL or greater you are at risk for heart disease and other nasty problemsl, particularly if you have other risk factors (like obesity or smoking). LDL levels are almost always taken at this point and if the results are lousy, (i.e. a high level of LDL) you're at pretty serious risk.


The best LDL levels are below 130 mg/dL

A borderline-high risk level of LDL is from 130 to 158 mg/dL.

High risk is above 160 mg/dL.

I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure that high cholesterol is also linked to increased risk of CVA (stroke)

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