Cholesterol Basics

Did you know that cholesterol is produced naturally in your body? In fact, your body makes about 75 percent of the cholesterol found in your body; the foods you eat produce the other 25 percent.

A fatty, waxy substance that is found in your bloodstream, cholesterol helps produce cell membranes and make certain hormones. But too much of it can be a health risk, leading to heart disease or stroke.

The Facts Behind the Letters

Cholesterol is divided into two types: HDL and LDL. HDL, or high density, is good cholesterol, responsible for keeping cholesterol on its processing path to the liver. LDL, or low density, is bad cholesterol, and having too much of it can clog your arteries—heightening your risk of heart attack and stroke. Your cholesterol screen will show you where you stand on HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Your ratio between the two is important. You want high HDL and low LDL.

Getting Screened

Doctors suggest that every adult older than age 20 gets his or her cholesterol screened once every five years. Here is the basic outline of the cholesterol screening:

1. Find a public screening center or local clinic, or make an appointment with your doctor.
2. You most likely will need to fast from food and beverages (except for black coffee and water) for nine to 12 hours (most blood tests are performed in the morning for this reason).
3. At the screening, a small sample of blood will be drawn from your arm. This is a quick and easy process, allowing you to return to your day immediately.
4. Your blood sample is sent to a lab and analyzed. You should receive your results in a few days to a week.

The Results

When you receive your results, you may wonder: What do all of these figures mean?

• Your Total Blood Cholesterol Level: This general measurement should be less than 200 mg/dL, putting you at a low risk for heart disease. 200 to 239 mg/dL puts you at a borderline-high risk, and a total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL puts you at a high risk for coronary heart disease.1
• Your LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Level: Just like your total blood cholesterol level, you want your LDL level to be as low as possible. Find your number on the chart below:

Less than 100 mg/dL	Optimal
100 to 129 mg/dL	Near Optimal/Above Optimal
130 to 159 mg/dL	Borderline High
160 to 189 mg/dL	High
190 mg/dL and above	Very High

• Your HDL (Good) Cholesterol Level: Unlike your total blood cholesterol or LDL readings, a higher HDL reading is better for your health. The average woman has an HDL between 50 and 60 mg/dL; the average man has an HDL between 40 and 50 mg/dL. Aim for 60 mg/dL or higher.
• Your Triglyceride Level: A form of fat, triglycerides can contribute to developing heart disease and diabetes. A normal triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dL; borderline-high is 150 to 199 mg/dL; high is between 200 and 499 mg/dL; very high range is more than 500 mg/dL.

Changing Your Lifestyle

Now that you know your number, where do you go from here? First, talk to your doctor about the results. He or she may suggest diet, exercise, or lifestyle changes, and potentially medication, based on your results, your overall health, and your family history.

Also, commit yourself to the Beautify Your Heart program. You build your own program, choose your own goals, and set your own journey toward a heart-healthy lifestyle—with our resources, tips, and helpful support.

Finally, incorporate Metamucil® into your diet. Metamucil, with 100% natural psyllium fiber, is the only leading brand proven to lower cholesterol.* Specifically, Metamucil is shown to lower LDL, the bad cholesterol in your body.

Cholesterol Screening Locator

Planning to get your cholesterol screened? Use the WomenHeart Cholesterol Screening Locator to find the cholesterol screening center closest to you.