High levels of cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, but it has no symptoms. It’s also widespread, as 95 million Americans have total cholesterol levels higher than 200, and 29 million are higher than 240, according to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

But the tricky thing with cholesterol is that not all cholesterol is created equal. You’ve probably heard of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. So, what does it all mean?

Ontario Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has all the details on how to read your cholesterol test results.

What is Good Cholesterol?

HDL is known as the good cholesterol because it removes other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. For both men and women, HDL levels of 60 or higher are desirable. A level considered at-risk for men is less than 40, while less than 50 is considered at-risk for women. The best way to increase HDL levels is through cardiovascular exercise (at least 30 minutes per day, five times a week). Quitting smoking can also increase HDL cholesterol.

What is Bad Cholesterol?

LDL is the cholesterol that collects in the walls of your blood vessels, thus earning the label of bad cholesterol. An LDL level of less than 110 is considered good, while 110-129 is borderline, and anything above 130 is considered high. 

In addition to exercise, your diet can affect your LDL cholesterol levels as well. Eating healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and certain nuts, along with reducing trans fats and high-saturated foods like cheese, whole milk, and high-fat red meats all help lower your LDL levels. You can also add fiber to your diet by switching out white bread and pasta for whole grains.

To learn more about Ontario Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://ontario-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/