Cholesterol Numbers Explained

Heart Health • Medically reviewed January 2024by the Cedarcrest Health clinical content committee

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to build cells and produce certain hormones. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need, but it also comes from foods such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Having too much of certain types of cholesterol in your blood can contribute to heart disease.

The Different Types

Cholesterol travels through the blood attached to proteins called lipoproteins. LDL, sometimes called the “bad” cholesterol, can build up in artery walls and narrow blood vessels over time. HDL, the “good” cholesterol, helps carry excess cholesterol away from the arteries. Triglycerides, another type of blood fat, are also measured and linked to heart risk when elevated.

A simple blood test, usually done after fasting, reports each of these numbers along with a total cholesterol score. Your provider will consider your full health picture, including age, blood pressure, and family history, when deciding what your target numbers should be.

Ways to Improve Your Numbers

• Choose foods lower in saturated fat, such as lean proteins and plant-based oils.
• Add more fiber-rich foods like oats, beans, and vegetables to your meals.
• Stay physically active on most days of the week.
• Maintain a weight that is healthy for your body.
• Avoid tobacco, which lowers HDL cholesterol.

For some people, lifestyle changes alone are enough to bring cholesterol into a healthier range. Others may also need medication, particularly if they have additional risk factors for heart disease.

Routine screening is the only way to know your numbers, since high cholesterol does not cause symptoms on its own. Talk with your Cedarcrest Health primary care provider about when you should be screened, or call (814) 555-2650 to find a provider near you.

Page last reviewed: 05/09/2026