How to make sense of your cholesterol numbers

Here’s how to make sense of your cholesterol numbers:

*With total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides, the lower the number the better
*With HDL (good cholesterol), the higher the number the better
*HDL level above 50 mg/dL is somewhat protective as it can neutralize one of the risk factors
*Ideal numbers:
Total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL
LDL less than 100 mg/dL
Triglyceride less than 150 mg/dL
HDL above 50 mg/dL
Total cholesterol : HDL 3 or less

So what are the risk factors?
*Older age
*Male > Female
*Obesity
*Diabetes
*Smoking
*Hypertension
*Family history – studies show family history only accounts for 25% and the rest is from lifestyle!