A person is considered at high risk for developing heart disease if their total cholesterol level is higher than 240 mg/dL, LDL levels are higher than 160 mg/dL (190 mg/dL is even higher risk), and if the HDL level is below 40 mg/dL.
The word “borderline” is used because levels of 200 to 239 are close to being high. A total cholesterol of 240 or above is a high level. If your LDL level is 130 to 159, you have a borderline level. If your LDL level is 160 or higher, you have a high level.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the "bad cholesterol" in terms of its potential for harming the heart and brain. It is a major contributor to arterial plaque development. Levels of LDL cholesterol higher than 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are linked to an increased risk for ischemic stroke.
Making changes to your diet and adopting healthier habits can help lower your LDL cholesterol level back into the elevated (100-160 mg/dL) or optimal range (<100 mg/dL). To lower your cholesterol: Eat fiber-rich foods such as veggies, fruit, whole grains, and legumes, daily for a total of 30-40g fiber/ day.
Aim to eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring or trout. Eat more soluble fiber. Soluble fiber grabs cholesterol in the gut before it gets into the bloodstream; soluble fiber reduces LDL. Oats, quinoa, barley, chickpeas, lentils and wholegrain breads are good options.
For example, a cholesterol level of 250 increases the chances of developing coronary heart disease, and a level of 300 increases the risk even further. People with high cholesterol—with or without coronary heart disease—are more likely to die from heart disease than those who have a cholesterol level below 200.
Fill Up on Fiber
Foods like oatmeal, apples, prunes, and beans are high in soluble fiber, which keeps your body from absorbing cholesterol. Research shows that people who ate 5 to 10 more grams of it each day saw a drop in their LDL. Eating more fiber also makes you feel full, so you won't crave snacks as much.
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your LDL cholesterol.
People who make diet and lifestyle changes as well as using medication may see lower cholesterol levels within a few weeks. Lifestyle changes can sometimes lower cholesterol levels relatively quickly. People may notice the effects in as little as a few weeks.
When the body is dehydrated, the blood becomes acidic which can lead to a build-up in LDL levels of cholesterol. Drinking plenty of water will keep your blood ways clean and eliminate the excess buildup of cholesterol waste from the body.
Your health care team may prescribe medicine if: You have already had a heart attack or stroke or have peripheral arterial disease. Your LDL cholesterol level is 190 mg/dL or higher.
Healthy seniors should keep their total cholesterol below 200 and their LDL cholesterol around 100. If your elderly loved one's LDL cholesterol level is above 160, he or she must start making sweeping lifestyle changes.
Foods with high amounts of saturated fat (like full-fat dairy and red meat) can raise your LDL. A heart-healthy diet, exercise and quitting tobacco use can help lower your LDL. For most people, a normal LDL level is below 100 mg/dL.
A diet high in fiber and low in fats can lower "bad" LDL cholesterol. Oily fish and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can raise “good” HDL cholesterol. If you know or think your cholesterol is high, or if you have a family history of high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about ways you can lower it.
Thanks to their naturally high vitamin C levels, lemons are also beneficial in helping to lower blood cholesterol levels. Mixing the juice of two to three lemons in water each day can be enough to lower your low-density lipoprotein (also known as 'bad' cholesterol) and lower the risk of heart disease.