Madelyn Fernstrom, Ph.D., CNS TODAY diet and nutrition editor • Profile • E-mail

Americans are inundated almost on a daily basis by information about the dangers of cholesterol. Still, an estimated 100 million adults in the U.S. have a cholesterol level putting them at risk for heart disease. Even though we know we should watch our cholesterol levels, many of us don’t know how. To raise your cholesterol IQ, we’re going to take a closer look at cholesterol and find out how we can maintain healthy levels.

Where does cholesterol come from?
The liver combines substances from natural compounds found in your body to produce cholesterol. That’s the main source of cholesterol. But you also ingest cholesterol when you eat foods containing animal fat. These include full-fat dairy products (butter, cream, cheese, whole milk); lard; fatty meats (with visible white fat), bacon, and foods made with trans-fat (processed baked goods, fries, onion rings, etc.) In contrast, foods made plants are cholesterol free.

Do our bodies need cholesterol?
Our bodies need a small amount of cholesterol to maintain normal body functions, including producing hormone, processing of fat-soluble vitamins, and maintaining cell structure. While cholesterol is a specific compound, it is transported throughout the body by carriers called lipoproteins. Depending on the carrier, cholesterol is either “good” or “bad.” High-density lipoproteins, or HDLs, carry cholesterol out of the blood to the liver, so it doesn’t stick to blood vessel walls and clog them. HDL is referred to as “good cholesterol” (think H for healthy). Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL (think lousy), on the other hand, is the “bad” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up in blood vessel walls, contributing to heart disease. A few other carriers make up the total cholesterol number, but HDL and LDL two are the main components.

When is cholesterol unhealthy?
The only way to know your cholesterol levels is through a blood test. You need to know your total cholesterol (including the biggest contributors, LDL and HDL), as well as HDL and  LDL. Triglycerides are another type of fat, related to, but different from cholesterol. High levels of triglycerides are also linked to heart disease. Here are what the numbers mean:

Total cholesterol:

• Less than 200 is desirable
• Between 200 and 249 is borderline high
• From 240 up is considered high

LDL (bad cholesterol):

• Less than 100 is optimal (NOTE: less than 70 for those with heart disease)
• Between 100 and 129 is almost optimal
• Between 130 and 159 is borderline high
• Between 160 and 189 is considered high
• And 190 and above is deemed to be very high

HDL (good cholesterol):

• 60 and above is optimal
• Less than 40 for men is considered low
• Less than 50 for women is considered low

Triglycerides

• Less than 150 is normal
• Between 150 and 199 is considered borderline high
• Between 200 and 499 is high
• And 500 or higher is very high

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