What is LDL cholesterol?

LDL cholesterol on your report

Shown in a lipid profile in mg/dL. For healthy adults, MedlinePlus lists:

• below 100 as optimal
• 100 to 129 as near optimal
• 130 to 159 as borderline high
• 160 to 189 as high
• 190 or more as very high

Your doctor may set a lower goal if your heart risk is higher, and labs can vary.

What LDL cholesterol tells your doctor

Extra LDL helps form plaque that narrows and hardens the arteries, which can lead to chest pain, heart attack and stroke. LDL tends to rise with age and, for women, often climbs after menopause.

These can all push it up, so it is worth watching:

• diabetes
• extra weight
• inactivity
• smoking
• family history

What moves your LDL cholesterol

Cut down on saturated and trans fats:

• vanaspati
• deep-fried snacks
• bakery items
• large amounts of ghee, butter and cream

Cook with small amounts of oils like mustard, groundnut or rice bran oil, and eat more fibre from oats, dals, rajma, chana, vegetables and fruit.

These all help:

• regular walking
• losing weight if needed
• not smoking

If your doctor prescribes medicine, keep up these habits alongside it.