Cholesterol Fact Sheet

What is cholesterol? HDL less than 40 mg/dL is low,

and is a risk factor for heart
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat
disease. HDL levels of 60 mg/dL
(lipid) in the blood stream that is
or more can help lower your risk.
found in all of your body’s cells.
Your body naturally makes all the
cholesterol it needs to form cell
membranes, hormones, and
vitamin D. Some foods such as
egg yolks, liver, and fried foods
contain cholesterol and saturated
fats that increase cholesterol
levels.
What is LDL cholesterol?
LDL cholesterol is often called the What do my cholesterol levels
“bad” cholesterol because it can mean?
clog arteries. LDL carries
According to National Heart, Lung,
cholesterol into the blood stream
and Blood Institute (NHLBI), for
and to your tissues where your
people over age 18, total
body stores it. LDL cholesterol can
cholesterol of more than
cause plaque build-up, which can
200mg/dL is considered high.
clog arteries. In time, the plaque
If your total cholesterol is more
can cause the arteries to narrow
than 200mg/dL or your HDL is less
or block completely, leading to a
than 40mg/dL, your risk of stroke
stroke or heart attack.
and heart disease could increase.
What is HDL cholesterol?
Cholesterol levels are measured in
HDL carries cholesterol away from milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per
the tissues to the liver, where it is deciliter (dL) of blood. If you have
filtered out of the body. High levels had a previous stroke or heart
of HDL, also called “good” attack, your cholesterol levels may
cholesterol, seem to protect need to be less than indicated
against stroke and heart disease, below. Ask your healthcare
so higher numbers are better. professional about your
cholesterol levels.
 Total Blood such as whole grain bread, cereal
products or dried beans, may also
Cholesterol Levels
help reduce cholesterol – from 6 to
Desirable: 19 percent, according to published
studies. Changing cooking habits
Under 200 mg/dL
to include baking, broiling,
Borderline High: steaming or grilling instead of
200-239 mg/dL frying can also help.
High: Exercise – Active people tend to
have lower cholesterol. Regular
240 mg/dL and above physical activity also seems to
LDL Cholesterol slow down or stop fatty deposits
Levels from clogging arteries. Your
healthcare professional may
Optimal: recommend a program of regular
Under 100 mg/dL physical activity to help lower your
cholesterol. Be sure to check with
Near Optimal/Above Optimal: your healthcare professional
100-129 mg/dL before starting any new programs.
Borderline High: For best results, you should take
130-159 mg/dL part in some aerobic activity most
days of the week for at least 20 to
High: 30 minutes each day. And there
160-189 mg/dL are simple ways to increase your
activity level: take a brisk walk with
Very High:
a friend, take the stairs instead of
190 mg/dL the elevator, or park farther from
your destination.
What can I do to manage Medications – For people who
my cholesterol? cannot lower their cholesterol
Eat a low-fat diet – A diet with 30 through diet and exercise,
percent or fewer total calories from medications such as statin drugs
fat, and low in saturated fat, can might be prescribed. It’s important
help to lower cholesterol. Your diet to take the medicine as directed,
should also include vegetables, even when you feel well. Statins
fruits and lean meats such as are drugs that may help reduce
chicken, fish and low-fat dairy the size of plaque particles that
products. Adding fiber to the diet, can clog or harden the arteries.
Studies have shown that some
statins may be effective in
reducing the risk of stroke or
transient ischemic attack (TIA) in
some people. Ask your healthcare
professional about the best
cholesterol management method
for you.

For more information:

National Heart, Lung and Blood
Institute – Cholesterol Education
Project
1-800-575-WELL (575-9355)
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/chd

National Stroke Association

1-800-STROKES (787-6537)
www.stroke.org

Note: This fact sheet is compiled from general,

publicly available information and should not be
considered recommended treatment for any
particular individual. You should consult your
provider about any personal medical concerns.

All publications are reviewed by National Stroke

Association’s Publications Committee.
© 2016 National Stroke Association 03/16