Myth or Fact?
Some cholesterol is good for me.
FACT
There are two basic kinds of cholesterol – low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “lousy”), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “healthy”). LDL cholesterol can collect in your arterial walls, raising your risk for heart disease and stroke. HDL cholesterol absorbs cholesterol in your body and brings it back to your liver, which flushes it out of your body. It can help lower your risk of heart disease & stroke. Some numbers to know: For most healthy adults, total cholesterol (LDL + HDL) should be less than 200 mg/dL, your LDL less than 100 mg/dL, and your HDL greater than 40 mg/dL (above 60 mg/dL for even more benefit).
How often do you get your cholesterol checked?
REFERENCES:
www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/hdl-cholesterol/art-20046388
www.verywellhealth.com/cholesterol-levels-by-age-chart-5190176