Cholesterol has become a popular marketing tool today, with many foods claiming to lower high cholesterol levels so users can enjoy improved health. While there are many ways to lower cholesterol today, some are still left wondering whether those numbers on a paper really have that much impact on one’s overall health.

Although cholesterol levels may not tell exactly how much is in your body, the results do inform how much risk you have of getting a stroke or heart attack. This article will offer an overview of the dangers of high cholesterol, including information about how to read a cholesterol level chart.

Is your Cholesterol High?

Before concerning yourself with the health risks involved with high cholesterol levels, it is important to know whether you have a concern in the first place. Most doctors will perform regular cholesterol screenings on their patients so they will know early on if high cholesterol levels are becoming a problem. The results of this blood test will usually come in three numbers; an LDL, HDL and total cholesterol level.

LDL, or low density lipoprotein, is the “bad” kind that can build up in your blood stream. High cholesterol levels for LDL are anything over 160. The “good” cholesterol is known as HDL, or high density lipoprotein, and is removed from the body. The higher the HDL level, the better, with 60 or more considered an ideal reading. The total cholesterol takes both the LDL and the HDL into consideration, providing a single cholesterol number to go by. High cholesterol levels for this reading are anything over 240.

Health Risks of High Cholesterol Levels

If you find you have high cholesterol levels, it is indeed cause for concern. When numbers go into the high range, it means you have a much higher risk for heart attack or cardiovascular disease. Too much cholesterol in the body clogs the arteries with plaque, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the places in the body where it is needed. It also reduces the amount of oxygen going to the heart by the bloodstream. The stress on the heart can raise the risk for a number of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease and heart attack.

Understanding the health risks associated with high cholesterol levels is the first step in managing your health more effectively. Exercising and eating right are simple solutions if your levels of cholesterol are excessive. Depending on the situation, medication may be utilized. The good news is that high cholesterol levels are often reversible so you can enjoy a better state of cardiovascular health once again.