Whats is "High" When Considering Cholesterol Levels?

Total Cholesterol
Total Cholesterol Level Category
Less than 200 mg/dL Desirable level that puts you at lower risk for coronary heart disease. A cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher raises your risk.
200 to 239 mg/dL Borderline high.
240 mg/dL and above High blood cholesterol. A person with this level has more than twice the risk of coronary heart disease as someone whose cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol Level Category
Less than 40 mg/dL for men)
Less than 50 mg/dL (for women)		 Low HDL cholesterol. A major risk factor for heart disease.
60 mg/dL and above High HDL cholesterol. An HDL of 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol Level Category
Less than 100 mg/dL Optimal
100 to 129 mg/dL Near or above optimal
130 to 159 mg/dL Borderline high
160 to 189 mg/dL High
190 mg/dL and above Very high
Triglycerides
Triglyceride Level Category
Less than 150 mg/dL Normal
150–199 mg/dL Borderline high
200–499 mg/dL High
500 mg/dL and above Very high

High Cholesterol's Effect on the Heart and Why Its Called The Silent Killer

Not all cholesterol is bad. When the word cholesterol comes up, people instantly think it is bad. The body already has cholesterol in it. One is good, and one is bad. It is the bad cholesterol that a person needs to keep out of their body. The good needs to stay in it because it is a vital part of how the body functions.

When too much cholesterol gets into the body from fatty foods, the arteries can be clogged. The arteries need to be able to take blood to the heart, but if they are clogged, the arteries cannot do their job. When blood does not get pumped to the heart, the heart can seize and stop. This is called a heart attack. When the heart completely stops, this is a stroke. Sudden strokes can cause sudden deaths. When a person has a heart attack, they can still be saved by proper medical care.

Some stroke victims can also be saved if they get immediate medical care that starts their heart again. When a person suffers a stroke, they can become paralyzed on one side of their body.

How is Cholesterol Made?

Cholesterol is generally made by the cells and a persons liver. Cholesterol is important to the body when it comes to nerve cells and the brain. The nerve cells become insulated by the cholesterol, which helps the cell membranes to have structure.

The bad cholesterol, which is called LDL can cause deposits that are fatty in nature to get hung up in the blood vessels. Cholesterol looks like fat lard. If a person were to look at the grease inside of a can of crisco oil, they would get a good indication what cholesterol looks like in the body. If there is too much of the crisco oil like substance, it can clog arteries and blood vessels.

People would be surprised to know that just one bowl of oatmeal has the means to stop cholesterol in its tracks. Oatmeal has many cholesterol fighting substances, such as omega 3, potassium, folate, and fiber. Adding other things like bananas, black cherries, or strawberries can add even more fighting substances to lower cholesterol. Eating this type of food every morning will give a person a lot of energy throughout the day. They will feel the effects instantly. Eating the oatmeal over time, will show a large difference in their cholesterol levels when they go back to the doctor for a checkup.

Eating a plate of Salmon and cooked vegetables to the side for lunch will be another food that lowers LDL cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that eating Salmon every day for four weeks, will lower their blood pressure, and cholesterol significantly.