Summarize the following:
HDL, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, acts as the body's waste-disposal system in the blood. HDL combs through blood for bad cholesterol, LDL, and flushes it out to your liver for disposal. HDL lowers inflammation throughout the body and may even help against Alzheimer's. High cholesterol does not have overt side effects, but it can be devastating on your health. Illnesses that come from bad cholesterol are serious, and should only be treated by a healthcare professional. Your doctor may suggest changes in lifestyle or diet if your HDL measures less than 60 mg/dL. While in-home cholesterol tests are on the market, they have not yet been as accurate or trustworthy as a basic blood test. Having 'good cholesterol' is a combination of limiting LDLs and increasing HDLs. While you may be doing one of these very well, it is helpful to see the big picture if you are falling behind on the other. To calculate total blood cholesterol, add your LDL, HDL, and 20 percent of your triglycerides. Triglycerides are body fat, so you want this number to be lower. Aim for a total blood cholesterol under 200. Above 240 is considered to be high.
Educate yourself about good cholesterol. Ask your doctor for a cholesterol blood test. Calculate your total blood cholesterol.