We’ve previously discussed body fat percentage ranges, Body Mass Index (BMI) ranges, but what is a healthy cholesterol level?
If you haven’t measured your cholesterol recently, make sure you review the new biomarker test (Fitnescity Method X), as it also includes a dietary and lifestyle analysis, along with a diet and exercise plan.
In this article, you will learn the basics about the different blood lipid (Cholesterol) markers, along with the healthy ranges by age, gender and type of marker.
Cholesterol, Glucose and HbA1c Test
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Dietary & Lifestyle analysis and Diet Plan
Cholesterol: Definition
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that occurs naturally in your body. At normal levels, it is essential for the body to function properly. This includes making hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods.Your body generally makes all the cholesterol it needs, thus eating too much saturated and trans fats leads to an excess of cholesterol in your blood. This, in turn, can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Excess weight, smoking, drinking alcohol and hypertension are also risk factors that can lead to high cholesterol. Although high blood cholesterol does not usually produce any symptoms, it is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. The great news is that it can easily be controlled with exercise and proper nutrition.
Blood Lipid (Cholesterol) Markers
Cholesterol is transported in the blood by lipoproteins, of which there are two main types:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is known as "bad" cholesterol because it can clog up your arteries
High-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is known as "good" or “healthy” cholesterol because it helps take cholesterol out of the bloodstream.
A lipid profile from a fasting blood test gives you a set of measurement that include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, total to HDL ratio, and triglycerides.
Cholesterol Levels by Marker
Aim for:
Total cholesterol levels less than 199 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
LDL cholesterol levels less than 129 mg/dL.
HDL levels of 45 mg/dL or higher for women and 39 mg/dL or higher for men.
Total cholesterol to HDL ratio less than 5.0 (the lower the ratio, the better).
Triglyceride levels below 89 for ages ranging from 10 to 19 and below 149 mg/dL for adults over the age of 20.
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