Both HDL and LDL components are considered in the evaluation of a person s risk for heart disease. If LDL elevation is the only risk factor present, a person should try to keep the LDL level under 160. If additional risk factors are present, the target LDL level should be less than 130. If a person has already developed symptoms of heart disease, the target LDL level should be 100. Attempts should be made to bring the HDL and triglyceride levels into the desirable range.
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists.
HDL levels in men should be greater than 35, and in women, greater than 45. Triglyceride levels should be less than 200. Smoking cessation, exercise, diet and weight loss can help increase the number of HDLs and decrease the LDLs in your blood. Sometimes, though, medication may be needed to help you achieve your target cholesterol level. In most cases, being overweight simply results from eating too much and exercising too little.