Written by Lauryn Bethea
Blood Cholesterol in the United States
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks the number of people living with high cholesterol (prevalence) and the number of people newly diagnosed with high cholesterol each year (incidence). You can find more information on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/about/
What Is Blood Cholesterol?
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The liver produces a waxy, fat-like substance called Blood Cholesterol. Blood Cholesterol is essential for your body for making hormones and digesting fatty foods.
The body uses cholesterol to form cell membranes, aid in digestion, convert Vitamin D in the skin and develop hormones. Providers complete a cholesterol check or lipid panel check to determine the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. |
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Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is stored inside a waterproof envelope of lipids (fat), along with specific proteins that weave in and out of the envelope’s outer shell. These particles are called lipoproteins. While there are several types of lipoproteins, your cholesterol score measures just two.
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Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is also called “bad” cholesterol. While they carry needed cholesterol to all parts of the body, too much LDL in the system can lead to a build-up called “plaque” in the arteries which can lead to heart disease or strokes. |
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High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is also called “good” cholesterol. HDL is absorbed in the blood and carried back to the liver to be flushed out from the body. A higher HDL score is desirable and will improve your overall cholesterol score. High levels of HDL lower risk of heart disease and stroke. |
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Triglycerides are a type of fat that is packaged with cholesterol when the lipoproteins form in the liver cells. Triglycerides are stored in fat all over the body and can be an energy source, like carbohydrates. Your cholesterol scores will show a measurement for triglycerides. A score higher than normal may mean you have a higher chance of developing coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. |
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Total cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in blood based on your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides numbers.
Cholesterol Levels
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Lower your risk by meeting heart-healthy cholesterol levels.
If you have other risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, aim to meet the following optimal cholesterol levels:
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