What is bad cholesterol anyway?
Bad cholesterol is commonly referred to LDL. These are tiny molecules that transport life giving cholesterol to cells. If for some reason LDL stopped flowing or had no molecules to ferry it to its destination we would die. But despite the very important role of LDL sometimes, during the transportation of cholesterol, some is left along the way adhering to the lining of the arteries. Ironically, it is often not LDL to blame but an abnormality or tear in the artery lining which snags cholesterol, thus setting the table for the accumulation of dangerous arterial plaque.
The conventional wisdom is that by reducing the amount of LDL/cholesterol floating through your blood stream you will reduce your chances of arterial plaque. But the real question is what are acceptable bad cholesterol levels that are just right to strike a balance between optimal health and disaster.
What are the different readings?
According to the American Heart Association a reading of 100 mg/dl is considered optimal; 100 -129 mg/dl is consider acceptable, under certain circumstances; 130 -159 is considered borderline high; 160 – 189 mg/dl is considered high; and 190 mg/dl and above is dangerous. All of these benchmarks are measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood.
Additionally, if a person has one or more of the following risk factors the numbers above should be adjusted downwards from 10 to 15 percent: over 55, a family history of heart disease, a family history of atherosclerosis, cigarette smoking or regularly subjected to an environment of cigarette smoke, obesity, inactivity, high stress levels, or high blood pressure.
After looking over this information it is fair to say that for most people that acceptable bad cholesterol levels are somewhere around 115 mg/dl for those with no additional risk factors, and 100 or below for those who have 1 or more risk factors.
Additionally, one tool that many have found to be a extremely valuable in their battle against runaway cholesterol it that of natural cholesterol reduction supplements. Natural cholesterol reduction supplements, when used in conjunction with diet and staying active, have proven to a be a side effect free way to send high cholesterol packing once and for all.
Rob D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of safe and effective high quality alternitive health products and natural living, with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com.
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