Understanding Cholesterol Numbers

Scientific research has shown that more than 75 percent of the cholesterol in the human body is produced by the liver. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance which is very important in processes such as digestion and repair of body cells. However, when produced in excess, cholesterol can become harmful to the body.

What causes excess cholesterol in the body?

Cholesterol also comes from most of the animal based products that people eat, ranging from steak to eggs and dairy. The cholesterol found in these substances not only increases the cholesterol levels in the body but also triggers excessive production of the body's cholesterol by the liver and the cells.

Is there good and bad cholesterol?

Most people make the mistake of thinking that all cholesterol is bad. The reality is that there are HDL and LDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is the right type while LDL is the harmful type. The presence of high levels of good cholesterol in the body helps fight bad cholesterol levels.

Why are cholesterol levels necessary?

The problem with excessive LDL cholesterol levels is that the waxy substance is deposited on the walls of the arteries. This leads to the narrowing of the arteries over a period. When the arteries are constricted, the heart has to work extra hard to get blood and nutrients to the rest of the body. Also, in case a blood clot was to occur anywhere in the body, it could clog an artery, leading to a heart attack or even a stroke.

What is good cholesterol numbers?

Medical experts recommend a cholesterol check every five years once a person reaches the age of 20. Here, is a guide to the recommended total cholesterol numbers. Note that the figures are milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood- Mg/dl.

• Less than 200 is desirable
• Between 200 and 239 is borderline high
• 240 and higher is high

Recommended numbers for LDL cholesterol

• Less than 100 is good
• 130 to 159 is borderline high
• 190 and above is extremely high

HDL recommended levels are 60 and above.

Cholesterol level chart by age

There are specific cholesterol level recommendations for different age groups. For instance, while an adult with 200gm/dl of cholesterol may be considered to be within the normal and desirable range, a child with the same level will be deemed to be having excessively high levels of cholesterol.

Children and adolescents should keep their cholesterol levels below 175 by engaging in a healthy and active lifestyle and also through a proper diet low in cholesterol. Physicians usually have cholesterol numbers chart which outline the recommended cholesterol levels for different age groups.

Note that high levels of cholesterol put one at risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks. Incorporating foods such as soy, flax seeds, green leafy vegetables, and walnuts will increase HDL levels and fight off LDL. A healthy lifestyle has also been proven to raise levels of HDL in the body. Just 30 minutes of workout every day can make all the difference.

Top 5 Routes for "Cholesterol Numbers"

1. Medicalnewstoday.com This is a trusted medical journal. The particular article outlines recommended cholesterol levels for different age groups and available treatment options for people with high LDL levels.
2. Everydayhealth.com The site outlines the healthy levels of HDL, LDL and total cholesterol in the body.
3. Umassmed.edu The article describes the healthy ways in which people can increase their HDL levels through proper diet and exercise, effectively lowering LDL levels.
4. Healthychildren.org This article specifically addresses the issue of cholesterol levels in children. It outlines the levels which should be considered normal in children and how to treat high cholesterol in adolescents.
5. Healthline.com The site gives a detailed description of the difference between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. It also gives examples of foods that are rich in both types of cholesterol and the recommended tips to stay within the healthy levels.