Cholesterol Level Estimator
Estimate your cholesterol levels and understand what they mean for your health.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood that's essential for building healthy cells. However, high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease. Understanding your cholesterol numbers is crucial for maintaining heart health.
Types of Cholesterol
HDL (Good) Cholesterol
- • Helps remove other forms of cholesterol
- • Higher levels are better
- • Target: 60 mg/dL or higher
- • Protective against heart disease
LDL (Bad) Cholesterol
- • Can build up in arteries
- • Lower levels are better
- • Target: Below 100 mg/dL
- • Main target for treatment
Risk Factors
- Family history
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Age and gender
Management Strategies
Diet
- • Reduce saturated fats
- • Increase fiber intake
- • Choose lean proteins
- • Add omega-3 foods
Lifestyle
- • Regular exercise
- • Weight management
- • Quit smoking
- • Limit alcohol
Medical
- • Statins
- • Bile acid sequestrants
- • Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
- • Regular monitoring
Heart-Healthy Foods
- Oats and whole grains
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil
- Fruits and vegetables
- Beans and legumes
Cholesterol Targets
Total Cholesterol:Below 200 mg/dL
LDL Cholesterol:Below 100 mg/dL
HDL Cholesterol:Above 60 mg/dL
Triglycerides:Below 150 mg/dL
Total/HDL Ratio:Below 3.5
Understanding Your Lipid Panel
| Measurement | Optimal | Borderline | High Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | <200 mg/dL | 200-239 mg/dL | ≥240 mg/dL |
| LDL Cholesterol | <100 mg/dL | 130-159 mg/dL | ≥160 mg/dL |
| HDL Cholesterol | ≥60 mg/dL | 40-59 mg/dL | <40 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | <150 mg/dL | 150-199 mg/dL | ≥200 mg/dL |