Cholesterol supports body functions but excess blood cholesterol raises heart and stroke risk. Total cholesterol categories (desirable <200 mg/dL, borderline 200-239, high ≥240) still serve as a screening guide, but modern care emphasizes LDL, HDL, triglycerides and overall cardiovascular risk. Diets high in saturated and trans fats raise LDL most; lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight control, smoking cessation) reduce risk. Clinicians may add medications for higher-risk patients. Get a lipid panel and discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Why cholesterol matters
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance your body needs to build cell membranes, make certain hormones and support other essential functions. But when too much cholesterol circulates in the blood, it increases the risk of atherosclerosis - the buildup of plaque in arteries - which can lead to heart attack and stroke.Types of cholesterol
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein): Often called "bad" cholesterol because higher levels contribute to plaque formation.
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein): Often called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from arteries.
- Triglycerides: Another blood fat; high levels are associated with heart disease risk.
Common total-cholesterol categories
Clinicians still use total cholesterol as a simple screening measure. Typical categories are:- Desirable: less than 200 mg/dL
- Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dL
- High: 240 mg/dL and above
What affects your cholesterol
Two main sources determine blood cholesterol: what your body makes and what you eat. Foods high in cholesterol include meat, eggs, dairy and certain processed foods. However, saturated fats and trans fats (found in some baked goods and fried foods) have a larger effect on raising LDL levels than dietary cholesterol for most people.Other factors that raise cardiovascular risk include:
- Personal history of heart disease or stroke
- Age (risk rises with age; men are often at higher risk earlier)
- Family history of premature heart disease (for example, a father or brother diagnosed before age 55, or a mother or sister before age 65)
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Overweight or obesity and physical inactivity
What you can do
Lifestyle changes are the first-line approach for many people: choose a diet low in saturated and trans fats, increase vegetables, whole grains and legumes, limit processed foods, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and quit smoking. For people at higher risk or with substantially elevated LDL, clinicians may recommend cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins in addition to lifestyle measures.
Testing and follow-up
Ask your clinician for a lipid panel - a blood test that measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. How often you repeat testing depends on your results and risk profile.Talk with your healthcare provider to interpret your numbers in the context of your age, family history and other risk factors and to decide whether lifestyle changes alone are sufficient or whether medications are appropriate.
FAQs about Cholesterol Levels
How often should I check my cholesterol?
That depends on your age, risk factors and previous results. Many adults have a lipid panel every 4-6 years if their risk is low, and more frequently if they have risk factors or abnormal results. Ask your clinician for a schedule tailored to you.
Is dietary cholesterol the main cause of high blood cholesterol?
For most people, saturated and trans fats have a larger effect on raising LDL than dietary cholesterol. Still, foods high in saturated fat and processed trans fats raise cardiovascular risk and are worth limiting.
What’s more important: total cholesterol or LDL?
Total cholesterol gives a quick screen, but LDL (and HDL and triglycerides) plus overall cardiovascular risk guide treatment decisions in modern practice.
Can lifestyle changes lower high cholesterol?
Yes. A heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight loss when appropriate, and quitting smoking all help lower LDL, raise HDL, and reduce cardiovascular risk.
When are cholesterol-lowering medications needed?
Medications such as statins may be recommended if lifestyle changes aren't enough or if someone has high cardiovascular risk or very high LDL. Your clinician will assess benefits and risks before prescribing.