Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced in our bodies and in the bodies of animals. It is an essential component that is required for many functions, including making and repairing the membranes of cells, producing hormones, and making vitamin D.
While cholesterol is vital for health, having levels that are too high can have negative consequences. When cholesterol levels are too high, fatty deposits may develop in the walls of blood vessels affecting the normal flow of blood. If blood flow that nourishes the heart is affected, then a heart attack may occur. If blood flow to the brain is affected, then a stroke may occur.
While cholesterol is vital for health, having levels that are too high can have negative consequences. When cholesterol levels are too high, fatty deposits may develop in the walls of blood vessels affecting the normal flow of blood. If blood flow that nourishes the heart is affected, then a heart attack may occur. If blood flow to the brain is affected, then a stroke may occur.
Total Cholesterol |
LDL Cholesterol |
HDL Cholesterol |
Triglycerides |
|
Desirable |
Below 5.1 mmol/L |
Below 3.1 mmol/L |
Above 1.5 mmol/L |
Below 1.7 mmol/L |
Borderline High |
5.1 – 6.1 mmol/L |
3.1 – 4.1 mmol/L |
n/a |
1.7 – 2.2 mmol/L |
High |
Above 6.1 mmol/L |
4.1 – 4.8 mmol/L |
n/a |
2.2 – 5.6 mmol/L |
Very High |
n/a |
Above 4.8 mmol/L |
n/a |
Above 5.6 mmol/L |
The values in the table above are indicated in millimole/litre (mmol/L).
While these are the general guidelines for cholesterol and triglyceride levels, treatment targets and guidelines are set according to your individual level of risk. For instance, if someone is at a higher risk of developing heart disease, the recommended level of LDL cholesterol is lowered. Thus if they are at a high risk, LDL levels would be recommended to be below 2.1 mmol/L instead of below 3.1 mmol/L.
LDL cholesterol (Low density lipoprotein) carries most of the cholesterol that is delivered to cells. It is called the ‘bad’ cholesterol when its level in the bloodstream is high because it can clog up your arteries.
HDL cholesterol (High density lipoprotein) is called the ‘good’ cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol out of the cells, including cells in the arteries.
While these are the general guidelines for cholesterol and triglyceride levels, treatment targets and guidelines are set according to your individual level of risk. For instance, if someone is at a higher risk of developing heart disease, the recommended level of LDL cholesterol is lowered. Thus if they are at a high risk, LDL levels would be recommended to be below 2.1 mmol/L instead of below 3.1 mmol/L.
LDL cholesterol (Low density lipoprotein) carries most of the cholesterol that is delivered to cells. It is called the ‘bad’ cholesterol when its level in the bloodstream is high because it can clog up your arteries.
HDL cholesterol (High density lipoprotein) is called the ‘good’ cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol out of the cells, including cells in the arteries.