What should my ldl hdl ratio be

If they do not improve with these changes, a doctor may recommend medications. The adverse effects of taking statins have repeatedly been under the spotlight. However, are these fears unfounded? MNT take a look at statin safety. There are two types of cholesterol. One is harmful, and builds up in the arteries, but the other can actually benefit the body. In this MNT Knowledge…. Doctors advise people to limit their overall cholesterol but maximize levels of high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol.

Why is this, and it is…. Prevention is the best treatment for clogged arteries. Learn about causes, prevention, treatment, and risk factors for plaque buildup and…. A look at egg yolk, the yellow part of the egg. Included is detail on the benefits of eating the yolks, as well as how they compare to the whites. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. The optimal ratio is between 3. A higher ratio increases the risk of heart disease. These percentages matter because when increases or decreases occur, they can affect the chances of a person developing heart disease.

When a person has a test that shows a high total cholesterol level, it may be because LDL cholesterol levels have climbed. A good cholesterol ratio shows that the body is working properly and is healthy.

It signals that someone is in good health and is probably taking care of themselves. The Framingham Heart Study states that the following cholesterol ratios roughly signal different degrees of heart disease risk:. For example, in the case of menopausal women, it is usual for them to have an increased LDL. This does not mean that women are unaffected by bad cholesterol ratios. It simply means women have shown to be less susceptible to bad cholesterol ratios.

Having the correct cholesterol levels helps to maintain the right levels of vitamin D and hormones in the body, and aids digestion. This is sometimes written as 'serum cholesterol' or 'TC' and refers to your overall level of cholesterol. Ideally it should be as low as possible.

Your HDL cholesterol 'good' cholesterol helps clear the cholesterol out of your arteries, while your LDL cholesterol 'bad' cholesterol can clog them up. Your HDL cholesterol should ideally be high, around 1. Read about high HDL cholesterol. If not, you can work it out from your HDL and total cholesterol numbers.

This should be as low as possible. Above 6 is considered high. This table is a general guide for ideal cholesterol and triglyceride levels for healthy adults in the UK. If you have a condition such as heart disease or diabetes, your target levels may be lower — your doctor will be able to tell you your individual targets. Triglycerides are another type of blood fat and your triglyceride levels can tell you more about your health. People with high triglyceride levels often have a low HDL level as well, which is an unhealthy combination that's often linked with premature heart disease.

It can be inherited and is often occurs in people who carry their weight around their middle. As a general rule, these are the ideal triglyceride levels for healthy adults. Fasting triglycerides are where you fast for a period of time before your blood test, usually hours:. This is why women who had favorable cholesterol values during their childbearing years might end up with elevated cholesterol later in life.

Of course, genetics and lifestyle factors can play big roles, too. Medication: Depending on your overall cardiovascular disease risk, you might be treated with a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as a statin. If you already have vascular disease or evidence of atherosclerosis, or if you are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, a statin for prevention is strongly recommended because this treats the plaque in the arteries, and lowers LDL cholesterol, Michos says.

While nobody wants to have high cholesterol, there are plenty of ways to keep it in check. One of the best things you can do to protect and improve your health is to stay informed.

If you have a new or existing heart problem, it's vital to see a doctor. Our heart health checklist can help you determine when to seek care. Health Home Wellness and Prevention. Understanding the Highs and Lows of Cholesterol You know that too much is dangerous.

And guess what? This buildup can start as early as your 20s. What to Know About Triglycerides In addition to cholesterol, you might hear about your triglycerides, another kind of fat found in the bloodstream. Why Cholesterol Affects Women Differently In general, women have higher levels of HDL cholesterol than men because the female sex hormone estrogen seems to boost this good cholesterol.

There are several ways to manage it, including: Medication: Depending on your overall cardiovascular disease risk, you might be treated with a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as a statin. Exercise for at least 30 minutes five or more days per week.