Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-related substance, made by the liver, which is necessary for maintaining cells. However, too much of certain types of cholesterol are bad for you. Cholesterol travels through your blood stream to reach the cells. Here are some of the names of the numbers and a short explanation:

1. Low-density lipoproteins, often-called LDL or bad cholesterol is a "sticky" fat-like substance that can adhere to the walls of the arteries. When someone has a high level of LDLs, the excess cholesterol or plaque is deposited onto the artery walls. As more and more plaque builds up, it narrows them and creates blockages. If left untreated, this can cause heart disease. Watching your intake of high fat, high cholesterol foods can lower the LDL.

2.   High-density lipoproteins, often-called HDL or good cholesterol is the garbage truck that tries to pick up some of the extra LDL's. The HDL is not sticky and it helps to transport the fatty LDL's back to the liver. This then decreases the risk of heart disease. However, HDL's sometimes cannot handle all of the excess creating build-up and blockages. HDL levels should be over 35 and can be as high as possible. HDL level is dependent on your exercise level. Aerobic exercise (walking, running, dancing, swimming, sports) will increase your HDL level.

3.   Total cholesterol, often referred to as the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL is another factor that doctor's will take into consideration in assessing your risks for heart disease. Since your HDL is the "good stuff" - you want a higher proportion of this then LDL or "bad stuff." Ideally, the ratio of cholesterol to HDL should be 4.5 or lower. Consequently someone with total cholesterol of 265 with an HDL of 66 has a ratio of 4.0 - Pretty good. Yet, that same total cholesterol level of 265 with an HDL of 25 would have a ratio of 10.6 - Not good.

Your doctor probably gave you some numbers that may have you wondering, what do all these numbers mean?

Desirable Cholesterol

Total Cholesterol = Under 200
HDL Cholesterol = Above 35
LDL Cholesterol = Under 130

Borderline High-Risk Cholesterol
Total Cholesterol = 200 - 239
LDL Cholesterol = 130? 159

High-Risk Cholesterol
Total Cholesterol = Over 240
HDL Cholesterol = Under 35
LDL Cholesterol = Over 160

This can all be very confusing, however still very important to understand if you have high cholesterol. Since you already know about your high cholesterol, you can take action now when you are young enough to avoid any ongoing problems.

If you are under a doctor's care, he/she may have suggested you follow a healthy diet and see a nutritionist. Follow their instructions by eating healthy and following the food pyramid (see question on the food pyramid). In the future, your doctor may also prescribe medication to decrease your cholesterol levels.

Another great way to reduce your cholesterol is through physical activity and exercise 3- 5 times per week. This can often raise the amount of your good cholesterol and decrease the amount of your bad cholesterol. Talk to your doctor about this as well.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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