Understanding Cholesterol Levels: Optimal HDL, LDL, and Triglyceride Ranges

Cholesterol is found in your body's cells and bloodstream. It is a fat-like, waxy, soft substance. You have what is referred to as "good" and "bad" cholesterol. Too much "bad" cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease or stroke.

Significance

• Your cholesterol comes from the food you eat and your body. Organs, like your liver, produce approximately 75 percent of blood cholesterol. The other 25 percent comes from the food you consume.

Function

• Cholesterol's function is to produce some hormones and cell membranes in body.

HDL Level

• HDL, or good cholesterol, should be higher than 60 mg/dL according to the American Heart Association (AHA), to protect you against heart disease.

LDL Level

• Your bad cholesterol, or LDL, level needs to be low to reduce your risk of a stroke or heart attack. The AHA recommends an optimal level of less than 100 mg/dL of LDL.

Triglyceride Level

• Triglycerides are produced from fat. A high triglyceride level is usually due to factors like obesity or physical inactivity. Your triglyceride level should be less than 150 mg/dL, according to the AHA.