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So you got your cholesterol checked? Good for you! For many people, that’s the
first major step to understanding their risk of heart disease. But don’t let
the numbers confuse you. Here’s what they might mean. Your physician may
interpret them slightly differently if you have other additional risk factors
for heart disease. Be sure to ask your doctor to clarify his or her reading of
the numbers if they don’t make sense to you.
Total Cholesterol
Desirable less than 200 mg/dL
Borderline high 200-239 mg/dL
High greater than or equal to 240 mg/dL
LDL (“bad”) Cholesterol
Optimal less than 100 mg/dL
Near optimal/Above optimal 100-129 mg/dL
Borderline high 130-159 mg/dL
High 160-189 mg/dL
Very high 190 mg/dL and above
HDL (“good”) Cholesterol
High greater than or equal to 60 mg/dL
Low less than 40 mg/dL
*Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
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Total Cholesterol
If your total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL, your risk for heart attack is
relatively low, though health experts recommend you still follow a
heart-healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, and avoid smoking.
Have your cholesterol re-checked in five years, or more often if you are a man
over 45 years of age or a woman over 55 years, to see if you’re staying on
course. If your cholesterol is in the borderline high category, but you have
high HDL (“good”) cholesterol and no other risk factors for heart disease, your
physician may only instruct you to follow a heart healthy diet and include
physical activity in your day. For some people this is normal. On the other
hand, if your cholesterol is greater than 240 mg/dL, your physician will most
likely be more aggressive about treating your cholesterol. Your doctor may
order more tests to determine the best way of caring for your cholesterol.
LDL Cholesterol
Substantial amounts of research have shown that your LDL (“bad”) levels are
more predictive of your risk for heart disease than total cholesterol. That’s
why physicians take a close look at them. The first approach is to lower LDL
cholesterol with a healthy diet and exercise, but sometimes, depending upon
other risk factors you might have, physicians will prescribe medication along
with diet and exercise.
HDL Cholesterol
In general, men have lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol than women, but women might
see their HDLs drop during menopause. You can help increase HDL levels by not
smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, and being physically active on a
regular basis.
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Our cereals can help lower your cholesterol!
As part of a heart healthy diet, the soluble fiber in
Cheerios,
Honey Nut Cheerios, and
Berry Burst Cheerios can help reduce your cholesterol!
Mandy,
San Antonio, TX
"I find it hard to make time to exercise regularly. So, I motivate myself to go
to the gym by giving myself a little 'reward' after each workout."
>Read
more
>Share your story
Featured
recipe
>Jumbo Breakfast Cookies
Special offer!
Berry Burst Cheerios® and KN Karen Neuburger® team up with limited edition
signature Red Dress pajamas and socks to benefit women's heart health.
>Read more
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