Simply Said: Cholesterol (Part 2)

Part One introduced the main concept; now let's talk figures. If you have your last bloodwork results handy, pull them out before continuing.

When it comes to total cholesterol, you ideally want a number below 200. If you are between the 200 and 240 mark, you are in the "caution" zone. Anything above 240 is cause for concern.

When it comes to HDL (the "good cholesterol" that takes extra cholesterol lingering around in places where it shouldn't be back to the liver for processing), you want as high a number as possible. Anything below 40 is low (and indicates a higher risk of developing heart disease), whereas a number between 40 and 60 is OK. For maximum heart-healthy benefits, though, you want a number above 60.

Onto the "bad cholesterol" (LDL). You definitely want this low, since high numbers up the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Less than 100? Perfection! Between 100 and 130? You're still in safe territory. If you are between 130 and 160, consider yourself warned. If between 160 and 190, you are just a few numbers away from real trouble. If your LDL is above 190, this is a threat to your cardiovascular health that needs to be addressed.