Many people take measures to target what is termed their good or bad cholesterol but without understanding the importance of a total cholesterol calculation in their overall efforts to regulate this needed bodily substance. Having an appropriate cholesterol level enhances good health in numerous ways, including hormone formation, tissue disposition, nerve integrity, and digestive efficiency.
Total Cholesterol Calculation Numbers Explained
Often misunderstood as well as misinterpreted, what constitutes good and bad numbers can be summarily deciphered in the following discussion. Once you understand what the numbers stand for and how they are determined, you will then be ready to make appropriate choices to further protect your health.
Your LDL HDL ratio is a rating of your bad to good cholesterol, and the difference between these two numbers is crucial to giving you a complete cholesterol picture. Accordingly, your risk for stroke and heart disease may be determined by your total cholesterol calculation, and guide you as you take any necessary measures to reduce risks and maintain appropriate levels. As your physician goes over your personal cholesterol profile with you, remembering that there is more than one number to focus on will help you in developing a comprehensive program for keeping your levels where they should be.
As you ask yourself “what will ensure the right cholesterol levels for me?” bear in mind that there are numerous ways to positively affect your total ratio. In addition to taking any medications that your doctor may recommend, other things such as getting regular exercise and making healthy food choices that will impact your cardiac health may be equally beneficial as you work to achieve or maintain good levels. As long as you are safely working to lower you bad LDL level and raise your good HDL level, you may greatly improve the health of your overall cardiovascular system.
High Total Cholesterol Calculation
What high cholesterol is is likely more complex than many people realize, as either number can indicate a problem with cholesterol. Accordingly, a high LDL or HDL number may make your total cholesterol reading high. What may matter most is recognizing that a high HDL reading does necessarily mean that your health is in danger.
If your total cholesterol calculation is high due to a high LDL number, however, your health may be at risk in relatively significant ways, and likely underscores the need to work with your physician in formulating changes that will lower your bad cholesterol and safeguard your health.
Good levels of HDL are typically 60mg/DL to no less than 40mg/DL. Likewise normal cholesterol, in terms of LDL levels, is typically below 100mg/DL. Statins including Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor have been routinely prescribed to reduce blood cholesterol levels, with side effects being mild or nonexistent for many patients.
Getting regular exercise will likely enhance the effectiveness of any medication you end up taking, as appropriate physical activity will actually help relax your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure. Adding cholesterol lowering foods such as salmon and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids as well as consuming appropriate amounts of soluble fiber will further strengthen your total cholesterol calculation and your healthy lifestyle.