Understanding Cholesterol Levels: The Good and the Bad

Last Updated on 02/20/2026 by Helal Medical

Your body needs cholesterol to be within normal levels to build cells and produce hormones. Cholesterol often gets a bad reputation, but it’s not always harmful. The problem begins when cholesterol levels become unbalanced. The issue arises when there is too much of the “bad” type and not enough of the “good” one.

At Helal Medical in Manila, I often see patients surprised by their blood test results. They did not understand their cholesterol numbers. This understanding can help people make smarter decisions about your heart health.

Understanding your cholesterol is easier than you think. With simple lifestyle changes you can dramatically improve your numbers. Keep reading to unlock the secrets to healthy cholesterol.

In this article, we will explore cholesterol levels, their impact and factors affecting these levels. We will discuss good and bad types. We will also cover management strategies.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood. It travels through the bloodstream in particles called lipoproteins. There are two main types:

• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
  It is known as “good” cholesterol. It helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream; it transports cholesterol to the liver for breakdown and elimination. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. HDL helps prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
  It is known as “bad” cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells. When present in excess, it can deposit cholesterol on the walls of arteries forming plaque. This will narrow and harden the arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. Over time, this increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Managing LDL levels through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication is important for maintaining heart health.

Ideal Cholesterol Levels

Knowing your cholesterol levels is important. A blood test measures your cholesterol. Read more about (The Importance of Regular Blood Tests for Early Detection)

• Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL is desirable.
• LDL Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL is optimal.
• HDL Cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher is ideal.

Why Cholesterol Balance Matters

A healthy balance between HDL and LDL is vital for maintaining smooth blood flow and reducing heart disease risk. When LDL levels rise or HDL drops, fatty deposits can form inside artery walls, a process called atherosclerosis.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Chest pain or angina
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Peripheral artery disease

Factors Affecting Cholesterol Levels

Several factors can influence your cholesterol numbers:

1. Diet: Foods high in saturated and trans fats raise LDL levels.
2. Weight: Being overweight tends to increase bad cholesterol.
3. Activity level: Regular exercise boosts HDL levels.
4. Smoking: Lowers HDL and damages blood vessels.
5. Medical conditions: Diabetes and thyroid problems can worsen cholesterol imbalance.

How to Check Your Cholesterol Levels

The test used to measure cholesterol is called a Lipid Profile or Lipid Panel.
It measures:

• Total cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides

Your doctor will suggest fasting for 8–12 hours before the test.

At Helal Medical, we offer reliable cholesterol and lipid profile testing, with same-day results and doctor consultation if needed.

Ideal values:

• Total cholesterol: below 200 mg/dL
• LDL: below 100 mg/dL
• HDL: above 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women)
• Triglycerides: below 150 mg/dL

How to Keep Cholesterol in Check

1. Eat more fiber – oats, fruits, and vegetables.
2. Avoid trans fats – found in fried and processed foods.
3. Stay active – at least 30 minutes of brisk walking daily.
4. keep healthy weight.
5. Avoid smoking and excess alcohol.
6. Take medications (like statins) if prescribed by your doctor.

Small, consistent changes in diet and lifestyle can dramatically improve cholesterol levels within months.

When to See Your Doctor

Adults over 20 should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, or more often if they have risk factors as:

• Family history of heart disease
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
• Smoking habit
• Obesity

If your test shows abnormal levels, your doctor will discuss the next steps, which may include lifestyle modification or medication.

🩵 Summary

Cholesterol isn’t always bad — your body needs it in the right amounts. The key is balance: keep LDL low, HDL high, and triglycerides under control.

Regular blood tests and a heart-healthy lifestyle are the best ways to protect your arteries and maintain long-term cardiovascular health.

🔗 Helpful Links:

• American Heart Association – Cholesterol Information
• CDC – High Cholesterol Facts
• Mayo Clinic – Cholesterol Test Overview

Read More About Cholesterol:

• Understanding Cholesterol Levels: The Good and the Bad
• Increase in Cholesterol, what are causing Factors?
• Cholesterol and Heart Disease — What Every Adult Should Know
• Lipid Profile for Heart Care: Test Interpretation
• One-Time CRISPR Gene Therapy May Permanently Lower Cholesterol

💬 Chat with Us:
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