Reviewed 8/31/2023
Healthy cholesterol levels can help you avoid heart attack and stroke. Your total cholesterol score is made up of three numbers. Some should be low. Other should be high.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Type: artery-clogging. Goal: low LDL.
To lower your LDL
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Type: heart-healthy. Goal: high HDL.
To raise your HDL
Triglycerides
Type: artery-clogging. Goal: low triglycerides.
Triglycerides are a type of fat that works with HDL and LDL to make up your total cholesterol.
To lower triglycerides
Check your cholesterol levels. Adults age 20 and older should have their cholesterol checked every four to six years. Your cholesterol levels, along with other risk factors, will help your doctor assess your cardiovascular health.
Learn more about cholesterol.
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