How Do You Read LDL And HDL Cholesterol Levels?
Checking your cholesterol on a regular basis is an important part of staying on top of your overall health. Once you’ve had your blood work done, understanding what all the cholesterol numbers mean and how they figure into your level of risk for heart disease will help you take a more active role in shaping your healthy future. Read your cholesterol test results and note that the levels of cholesterol present in your blood stream are measured in mg per decaliter, or mg/dl. Read your HDL cholesterol levels. A level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in your bloodstream above 60 mg/dL may indicate a decreased risk for heart disease in both men and women. Understand that HDL levels below 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women may put you at higher risk for heart disease. Typically, people with higher levels of triglycerides or fatty substances in their blood have lower levels of HDL and may correct this by eating less saturated fat and exercising more. Look for your LDL or low-density li
