High cholesterol is a condition where there is too much cholesterol circulating in the blood. The definition of high cholesterol varies slightly between sources, but generally, high cholesterol is considered to be a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher. However, healthcare providers may use additional categories like "borderline high" and "near optimal" to break down results. LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, is another important factor in determining cholesterol levels. The optimal level for LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL. HDL cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol, is the one number you want to be high (ideally above 60 mg/dL) . Triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood, can also contribute to high cholesterol levels.
It is important to note that high cholesterol levels do not have any symptoms, which is why it is essential to get cholesterol numbers checked on a regular basis. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, but catching it early gives you a chance to make changes and get your cholesterol to a healthy level. If you have high cholesterol, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed.
