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What is Cholesterol?

Is any substance more talked about, yet more misunderstood, than cholesterol? You know some of it is good and some of it is bad. You know there are clear guidelines for how much you should have.

Cholesterol is

Produced by the liver and other organs and also furnished in the diet through such food as meats, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
Required by the body to insulate nerves, make cell membranes, and produce certain hormones.
Carried through the body by lipoproteins in the blood.

2 Types of Cholesterol

HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) transports cholesterol from the body's tissues to the liver and other sites, where it may be broken down and excreted by the body. HDL cholesterol is commonly known as "good" cholesterol.
LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) transports cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. LDL cholesterol is commonly known as "bad" cholesterol.

Cholesterol Levels in America

The good news is that cholesterol levels have declined over the past 30 years. However, the average levels remain above the recommended level of 200 mg/dL, affecting 98 million American adults. The other good news is that almost anyone can lower their cholesterol level by eating sensibly and exercising. Also, new drugs are available that can help lower LDL levels.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Health Examination Statistics, Unpublished Data

Recommended Cholesterol Levels

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) advises adults to have cholesterol levels checked -- total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol -- at least once every five years.

	LDL Cholesterol - Primary Target of Therapy
	<100		Optimal
	100-129		Near optimal/above optimal
	130-159		Borderline High
	160-189		High
	>= 190		Very High

	Total Cholesterol
	<200		Desirable
	200-239		Borderline High
	>= 240		High

	HDL Cholesterol
	<40		Low
	>= 60		High