When it comes to your cholesterol, it’s like the Wild West

BJC ACO wants you to know that it’s no secret that you have to control your cholesterol to prevent hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. After that, however, things become a bit more complicated.

Like characters in an old Western movie, there are two basic types of cholesterol – a “good” guy (HDL) and a “bad” guy (LDL). High levels of HDL are associated with a decreased risk for cardiovascular disease, while high levels of LDL are associated with just the opposite. Your individual values of HDL, LDL and a look at your triglycerides are far more important that your total cholesterol.

There’s no simple answer to when your cholesterol level becomes dangerous – that’s something your physician can help you explore.