Cholesterol levels: are they good or bad? (HDL, LDL, triglycerides)

Cholesterol levels: are they good or bad? (HDL, LDL, triglycerides)

Author:
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker
Medically reviewed:
MUDr. Andrea Bullová
MUDr. Andrea Bullová
Physician
Total cholesterol (good and bad), triglycerides? Are my levels normal or have they crossed the line?
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The calculations are indicative
mmol/liter
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What is my cholesterol (HDL, LDL, triglycerides): good and bad?

Cholesterol, fats, blood and our diet.

But we don't often think about their relationship.

Both sugars and fats are important to the body. They form an energy reserve. And not only that.

Fat is found throughout the body and is essential for life. It is part of the cells, cell membranes and other structures of the bodies of living organisms - from the smallest to the largest.

In addition to its storage function, it is essential for fat-soluble vitamins, i.e. A, D, E, K.

Fats are characterized by high energy expenditure.

1 g of fat = approximately 38.9 kJ of energy

Over the course of a lifetime, fat consumption varies. In children, it is 4 to 5 grams of fat per kilogram of body weight per day.

For adults, approximately 1 gram of fat per 1 kilogram of body weight in 1 day is sufficient.

To give you an idea:
A child weighing 20 kg should consume approximately 80-100 grams of fat per day.
An adult weighing 80 kg should consume approximately 80 grams of fat per day.

The numbers better demonstrate some of the body's needs. Neither too low nor too high an intake is good. Both extremes have their negatives that can complicate an individual's health.

It is neither good to eat too much nor too little.

It is important to follow the principles of rational nutrition. This includes a balanced diet containing all nutrients.

Lipids (fats) are related to concepts such as cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), triglycerides.

HDL (good cholesterol) destroys the bad LDL cholesterol.

High cholesterol needs to be lowered. A balanced diet, appropriate nutrients and adequate physical activity will help.

Some people have naturally higher cholesterol levels without any apparent cause.

Table of recommended blood lipid (fat) values

Fats/lipids Recommended values Risk groups
Total cholesterol
  • less than < 5.0 mmol/l
  • 3,2-5,0
  • less than < 4.5 mmol/l
HDL (good cholesterol)
  • more than > 1.0 mmol/l
  • men 1.0 to 2.1
  • women 1.2 to 2.7
  • women more than > 1.2 mmol/l
  • men more than > 1.0 mmol/l
LDL (bad cholesterol)
  • less than < 3.0 mmol/l
  • 1,2-3,0
  • less than < 2.5 mmol/l
Triglycerides, triacylglycerols, TAG
  • less than < 2.0 mmol/l
  • women 0,45-1,70
  • men 0.6-2.2
  • less than < 1.7 mmol/l

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Important notice:

Please remember that the results of our health calculators and analyzers are for guidance purposes only. They are not a substitute for a professional examination or the advice of a doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional.

Each person is unique, and everyone's needs may vary. Calculators and analyzers have limitations and do not provide a comprehensive individual view of health.

Their use is at your own risk. Neither the site operator nor the author is responsible for misuse and misinterpretation of information obtained through their use. By using the calculators and analyzers, you agree to these terms and conditions and neither the operator nor the author shall be liable for any consequences.

You are advised to consult a professional for your medical condition. Remember that health is an important topic and any decisions should be made in consultation with a professional.

This calculator/analyzer is not a medical tool or medical aid. Consult your doctor about your health problem.

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Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker
The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.
View all articles by the same author
MUDr. Andrea Bullová
Medically reviewed: MUDr. Andrea Bullová
Physician
After graduating from an eight-year high school, I knew exactly who I wanted to become in life. Studying at the Faculty of Medicine at Comenius University in Bratislava fulfilled a long-held dream and I was able to start fulfilling my mission as a doctor. After obtaining my diploma and M.D. degree, my first professional steps led to the St. Elizabeth Cancer Institute in Bratislava. At the Stereotactic Radiosurgery Clinic I worked with patients with brain tumours and eye tumours. After a year of working with oncology patients, in 2020 I moved to the Neurology Clinic of SZU St. Michael's University Hospital in Bratislava, where I am still working today. I like to spend my free time outdoors, whether cycling, hiking or just walking in the nearby forest.
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