What are the normal cholesterol levels for men
Hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol, affects more than one in four adult males in the United States. This statistic comes from the CDC. High cholesterol puts men at a greater risk of strokes, heart disease and coronary artery disease.
Overview of the Cholesterol Test
Men should get a cholesterol test once every five years. Before taking a cholesterol test, a patient will fast from food and alcohol for nine to twelve hours. Since there are no symptoms with high cholesterol, it is very important to be tested on a regular five-year schedule.
Once the test is completed, the results will include levels of HDL and LDL. HDL cholesterol is the so-called good cholesterol as its high levels are indicative of less strokes and heart disease. LDL cholesterol is the cholesterol that, when at high levels, means a man is at a high risk of these diseases, and should work to reduce those levels.
Normal Cholesterol Ranges
When in good health, men will have an LDL cholesterol that falls below 100 mg/dL. LDL levels that are over 159 mg/dL is unhealthy. For HDL cholesterol, a healthy range is between 40mg/dL and 60 mg/dL.
Normal total cholesterol levels should be below 200 mg/dL or at most between 200 and 239 mg/dL. Anything above is considered to place men at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Ways to Lower Cholesterol
Changing one's diet is the easiest way to help lower cholesterol. Increase foods rich in dietary fiber like fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Oatmeal is especially recommended in the fight against high cholesterol. Any meats consumed should be lean meats versus red meats, and eggs should be replaced with egg substitutes.
Avoid foods high in trans or saturated fats. These fats are found in processed foods, sodas, potato chips, cakes, and donuts. Other ways to lower cholesterol include walking 30 minutes five days a week, or getting other regular exercise as well as quitting smoking.