Cholesterol often gets a bad reputation, but the truth is—it plays a vital role in your body. Cholesterol helps build cells and produce hormones, but too much of the wrong kind can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. That’s why understanding your cholesterol levels is key to maintaining heart health.

At White House Family Care, we believe in making lab results less confusing and more empowering. As Andie Lundquist, FNP-BC, explains, “Knowing what your cholesterol numbers mean isn’t just about hitting a target. It’s about taking control of your health and making informed decisions.”

The Basics: What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your liver makes it naturally, but it also comes from the food you eat—particularly animal-based products like meat, eggs, and dairy.

There are two main types:

  • LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called “bad” cholesterol, LDL can build up on the walls of your arteries and lead to blockages.
  • HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL from your bloodstream.

Triglycerides—another type of fat in the blood—are also part of a standard cholesterol panel and can increase heart disease risk when elevated.

Interpreting Your Cholesterol Numbers

Here’s a general guide to cholesterol levels (measured in mg/dL):

  • Total Cholesterol
    • Desirable: Less than 200
    • Borderline high: 200–239
    • High: 240 and above
  • LDL Cholesterol (Bad)
    • Optimal: Less than 100
    • Near optimal: 100–129
    • Borderline high: 130–159
    • High: 160–189
    • Very high: 190 or more
  • HDL Cholesterol (Good)
    • Low (a risk factor): Less than 40 (men), less than 50 (women)
    • High (protective): 60 or higher
  • Triglycerides
    • Normal: Less than 150
    • Borderline high: 150–199
    • High: 200–499
    • Very high: 500 and above

Andie Lundquist, FNP-BC, notes, “It’s important to look at the full picture. A high total cholesterol number might not be concerning if your HDL is also high. That’s where personalized care makes all the difference.”

Why Cholesterol Levels Matter

High LDL cholesterol is a leading contributor to atherosclerosis—narrowing and hardening of the arteries. This can result in serious health problems like:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Peripheral artery disease

But when you know your numbers and work with a trusted healthcare provider, you can take meaningful steps to lower your risk.

What You Can Do

At White House Family Care, we help patients make sense of their results and take action. Depending on your profile, steps may include:

  • Healthy diet: Focus on fiber, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like those found in nuts and olive oil.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can raise HDL and lower LDL.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking lowers good cholesterol and damages blood vessels.
  • Medication: In some cases, statins or other drugs may be recommended.

Get Checked, Stay Informed

If it’s been more than a year since your last cholesterol test—or if you have a family history of heart disease—schedule an appointment with White House Family Care today.

“We’re here to guide you every step of the way,” says Andie Lundquist, FNP-BC. “With the right tools and support, you can protect your heart and feel your best.”