High total cholesterol, particularly the low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, type, is a prominent risk factor for heart disease in men and women. Cholesterol is an unavoidable waxy fat-like substance created naturally in the body. It serves the purpose of supporting nutrient absorption and insulating your cells. The human body makes all of the cholesterol it needs but poor dietary and lifestyle habits contribute to increasing your cholesterol levels. To achieve and sustain normal, healthy cholesterol levels, it is important to first understand what it is and determine current status. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood using a test called a lipid panel. When you get a blood draw for a lipid panel your total cholesterol, LDL and high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is tested to better determine areas needed for improvement. Ideally, a normal cholesterol level measures in total 200 mg/dL or less. Exceeding this number can indicate your risk level of artery damage or Heart disease. Further breaking down total cholesterol into LDL or HDL, the ideal normal LDL measures 100 to 129 mg/dL. Numbers exceeding 129 mg/dL indicate a strong risk for arterial complications and subsequent cardiovascular disease. In the case of cholesterol, the lower your LDL the less likely your risk of heart complications. Conversely, the HDL numbers are ideal in higher measure. High-density lipoprotein at 60 mg/dL or above is optimal for promoting heart health. The HDL type of cholesterol serves as an artery scavenger to push the LDL out of your body therefore, the higher your HDL levels the more likely you have low LDL levels. When it comes to keeping track of your good, or HDL, levels and bad, or LDL, levels the first step is a routine health exam including a cholesterol test. If it is determined that your levels exceed the normal and healthy recommendation you can take an active stance toward naturally lowering your numbers. Simple lifestyle habits like eating less of foods loaded with saturated fat or abstinence from smoking can help you return to normal cholesterol levels. Ultimately, a health plan between you and your physician aids in getting your cholesterol levels on the right track. If you have normal numbers now, keep in mind that as you age it is a continued effort through healthy diet, exercise and heart-healthy lifestyle habits.