Cholesterol Values: What You Need to Know

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of our body. It is essential for many bodily functions, such as building cell membranes, producing hormones, and aiding in digestion.

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because it can build up in the arteries and lead to heart disease. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries.

Cholesterol Values

The optimal level of cholesterol in the blood is below 200 mg/dL. A level of 200-239 mg/dL is considered borderline high, and a level of 240 mg/dL or higher is considered high.

The following table shows the recommended cholesterol levels for adults aged 20 and older:

Cholesterol Type	Optimal Level	Borderline High	High
Total Cholesterol	<200 mg/dL	200-239 mg/dL	≥240 mg/dL
LDL Cholesterol	<100 mg/dL	100-129 mg/dL	≥130 mg/dL
HDL Cholesterol	≥60 mg/dL	40-59 mg/dL	<40 mg/dL

Risk Factors for High Cholesterol

There are a number of risk factors for high cholesterol, including:

• Age (over 45)
• Sex (men are more likely to have high cholesterol than women)
• Family history of high cholesterol
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease
• Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, beta-blockers)

Symptoms of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol usually does not cause any symptoms. However, if you have very high cholesterol, you may experience:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Leg pain
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Vision problems

Treatment for High Cholesterol

The treatment for high cholesterol depends on the underlying cause. If your high cholesterol is caused by a medical condition, such as diabetes or kidney disease, your doctor will first treat that condition.

Other treatments for high cholesterol include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly
• Medications, such as statins, bile acid resins, and niacin

If you have high cholesterol, it is important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.

Cholesterol Hodnoty