Recommended LDL

Despite its bad reputation, your body needs cholesterol to stay healthy. Cholesterol keeps cell membranes flexible and is used to produce hormones, bile acids and vitamin D. However, not all types of cholesterol are created equal. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol ferries lipids from the bloodstream to the liver for disposal and protects you from heart disease. Conversely, low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol tends to build up on the walls of blood vessels and causes serious health problems. For heart health, it's important to keep your LDL levels as low as possible.

The Test

Everyone over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol levels checked every five years, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It is recommended that you have your LDL levels tested as part of a complete lipid profile, which will show your HDL, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, too. The complete lipid profile requires a simple blood draw after a 12-hour fast, including all food and beverages except water. The blood is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and you should have the results within a few days.

Interpreting Results

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter. If you have an LDL level of 140, that means you have 140 milligrams of cholesterol distributed through 1 deciliter of blood. For healthy adults, LDL levels should be at or below 130 milligrams per deciliter. Generally, the lower your LDL the better. There is no minimum LDL score.

Risk Factors

The recommended LDL levels for individuals with risk factors are much lower. If you have a moderate risk of heart disease, you should aim for an LDL below 100 milligrams per deciliter. If you are at high risk for heart disease, your recommended LDL is below 70 milligrams per deciliter. You are at high risk for heart disease if you have any of the following conditions: diabetes, peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease or a prior stroke or heart attack. Additionally, two or more of the following variables put you at very high risk for heart disease: hypertension, a low HDL score, smoking, family history, age and a high LDL score.

What to Do

If your LDL levels are too high, your doctor will discuss several options with you. Changing your lifestyle is the first and most important line of defense against high cholesterol. You will need to quit smoking, eat less fat and cholesterol, increase your intake of fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains and exercise most days of the week. In some cases, medication may be necessary to lower LDL.