What is normal cholesterol?

Answer 1

Cholesterol: The Basic Facts

Cholesterol is a lipid that is essential for the human body to function properly. It is a core ingredient in cell membrane structure in every mammal. Cholesterol also plays an important role in producing vitamin D, bile and hormones.

As with most health issues, cholesterol levels are something that most adults don't really think about on a regular basis. That is, until they learn that they have high levels and require medication to bring those levels down. What most people don't know is that there are two different types of cholesterol carrying lipo-proteins, HDL and LDL. These lipo-proteins are essential to how cholesterol is processed within the body.

LDL And HDL, What Is The Difference?

LDL, or Low Density Lipo-proteins, are considered bad, as they carry the cholesterol through the heart. These can sometimes attach themselves to the inner walls of the heart or major arteries and cause a blockage resulting in congestive heart failure, heart attacks and strokes.

The good kind of cholesterol, HDL or High Density Lipo-proteins, carry the cholesterol directly to the liver, where it is then eliminated through urine and feces. This is considered much better than going through the heart where it can cause blockages.

What Are Normal Levels Of HDL And LDL?

Years of extensive research by thousands of scientists shows that levels at or below 200 mg/dl for all cholesterol is considered normal for a healthy adult. Normal levels of both LDL and HDL is the only sure-fire way to ensure that your risk for heart-attack and stroke are minimal.

The normal level for LDL is at or below 130 mg/dl, and the normal level for HDL is at or above 40 mg/dl. By increasing one's HDL level, this ensures that this particular lipo-protein is doing more transporting of cholesterol, which helps to lower the need for LDL to do this job. This, in turn, lowers the amount of plaque built up along the arterial walls and heart.

In the end, every adult above the age of 20 should get their cholesterol levels checked every five years to ensure their own good health and to reduce the risk of heart-attack and stroke.

Answer 2

200mg per day