Total cholesterol is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. High levels of total cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Here are some key points about cholesterol levels:
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Total cholesterol: This is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both LDL and HDL cholesterol. The ideal level of total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL.
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LDL cholesterol: This is the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in your arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The ideal level of LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL.
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HDL cholesterol: This is the "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL cholesterol from your blood and protect against heart disease. The ideal level of HDL cholesterol is 60 mg/dL or higher.
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Triglycerides: These are another type of fat in your blood that can raise the risk of heart disease, especially in women. The ideal level of triglycerides is less than 150 mg/dL.
If your total cholesterol level is high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking. In some cases, medication such as statins may also...
