High cholesterol is talked about regularly. When you delve deeper into it, you start to learn about good and bad cholesterol, which generally just confuses some people. What you want to know is what the normal range for cholesterol test is, so that you can be healthy.
Cholesterol:
Cholesterol is so confusing because it is actually made up of three types: HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. HDL is the only 'good' type of cholesterol. So, when you are told that you have 'high' cholesterol, it means that your LDL and/or your triglycerides are high.
HDL Cholesterol:
HDL is the good type of cholesterol, helping to combat the other two types. A normal range for cholesterol test would put HDL at 60 or more. If it drops to below 40, then your chance of having heart disease and heart attack is increased. HDL moves very quickly and helps to build different cells in your body, as well as your bile. Furthermore, it gets rid of the bad cholesterol, which moves slowly through your arteries. It is very important, therefore, that you have a high enough level of HDL in your bloodstream.
LDL Cholesterol:
LDL, or low density lipoprotein, is the bad kind of cholesterol. A normal range for cholesterol test for LDL should be below 100. However, that is a generalized figure, as the actual 'normal' range will depend on things like your gender, your family history, and your age. This is why it is very important to have your levels properly checked. LDL is very slow moving and can clog up your arteries. This means blood flow is restricted, possibly leading to heart attacks or strokes. LDL also fluctuates a lot, and this is why scores are broken down into a range of different levels, rather than being pretty straight forward like with the HDL.
A score of between 100 and 120, therefore, is normal. The higher it goes, the closer you are to borderline. If you fall in this category, it is likely that your physician will want to monitor you more frequently, particularly if your HDL level is not as high as what it could be. They may recommend some lifestyle changes, or to add some supplements to your diet.
If you score between 130 and 159, you are classed as borderline. Between 160 and 189 is classed as high, but it is still not high to the point that it is really dangerous and you have to make immediate lifestyle changes, take medications, and go on a specially formulated diet.
If your score goes above 190, you are in a dangerous situation that poses an immediate and real health risk. You will instantly be given prescription medication and you will be referred to a nutritionist for a very restrictive diet. Furthermore, you will have your bloods checked regularly to see if the levels are dropping.
Once you know what levels of cholesterol are normal and acceptable, you will be in a better position to become and stay healthy. Unfortunately, high cholesterol is a potentially fatal condition. Hence, make changes and follow your physician's advice.