Know your LDL (bad) cholesterol number.
Your LDL (bad) cholesterol number is important. It gives you and your doctor a standard for good health, much like your temperature, pulse, or blood pressure. Your LDL (bad) cholesterol goal number will be based on your current and historical medical situation and any risk factors you may have for heart disease. The average person should try to maintain an LDL (bad) cholesterol level below 130 mg/dL.* If you have heart disease, diabetes, or certain risk factors, your goal is less than 100 mg/dL. If you don’t know what your individual LDL (bad) cholesterol goal should be, ask your doctor.
Think of LDL cholesterol as “bad” cholesterol that makes your arteries dirty and clogged with plaque.
Think of HDL cholesterol as “good” cholesterol that cleans your arteries by carrying away excess cholesterol.
LDL (bad) cholesterol causes a buildup of a waxy substance in your artery walls. This restricts blood flow and can cause heart attack or stroke. The higher your LDL (bad) cholesterol number, the greater your chances for heart disease.