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Cardiac Cookbook

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is an important wax-like material found in the bloodstream and in every cell of the body. The body makes cholesterol from the food you eat. Too much saturated fat or trans fat can cause the body to make too much cholesterol.

What is your total cholesterol?

LDL cholesterol

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often called "bad" cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol can cause a buildup of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk for a heart attack or stroke.

What is your LDL level?

Less than 100 mg/dL	Optimal
100 to 129 mg/dL	Borderline
130 to 159 mg/dL	High
160 and above	Very High

HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol. HDL carries cholesterol away from arteries. Studies suggest that high levels of HDL cholesterol can reduce the risk of having a heart attack.

What is your HDL level?
Men & Post-menopausal women:
	Low	Less than 40 mg/dL
	Normal	40-60 mg/dL
	Protective:	More than 60 mg/dL
Pre-menopausal women
	Low	Less than 50 mg/dL
	Normal	50-60 mg/dL

Triglycerides

• Triglycerides are found in body fat and the bloodstream.
• Triglycerides are made by the breakdown of sugar from your diet.
• High triglyceride levels may contribute to "clogged" arteries and may increase your risk for a heart attack.

Back to DMH Heart and Lung Institute