By now, many of you must know that healthy cholesterol levels can help prevent the risk of Coronary disease and strokes. But the question is - at what level can cholesterol be considered healthy? For those who are wondering if their cholesterol levels are within normal range, here are some facts you need to know.

Desired healthy cholesterol levels differ in different countries and are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in the United States and in millimoles per litre (mmol/L) in Europe. These tests are used to monitor the patient's risk for heart disease and as a basis for recommendations to achieve healthy cholesterol levels, such as lifestyle modifications and/or medications.

A lipoprotein profile or a cholesterol test is done by taking a bloods sample from a person to find out if they have healthy cholesterol levels. These tests are highly advised for people above 20 years old and should be done once every five years thereafter. Also the doctor may advise a patient to fast for at least 12 hours before a test is done to ensure that no food intake affects the cholesterol level.

Normally, the cholesterol tests focus on the total blood cholesterol level and the LDL (bad) cholesterol level. However, since a low HDL level is a risk factor itself, it is best to find out one's HDL level as well. Furthermore, HDL counteracts the effects of LDL cholesterol hence, it is a must that its level be determined to ensure that it can work efficiently in controlling the adverse effects of LDL cholesterol.

Here are the ranges of healthy cholesterol levels:

Total blood cholesterol level - less than 200 mg/dL
LDL cholesterol level - less than 100 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol level - at least 40 mg/dL for men; at least 50 mg/dL for women
Triglyceride level - less than 150 mg/dL

For those who have a total blood cholesterol level that ranges from 200-239 mg/dL, which is on the borderline of high risk, it is highly advisable for them to have their cholesterol and HDL levels checked within every year or two in order for them to have healthy cholesterol level.

Also those at risk are men with HDL level less than 40 mg/dL and 50 mg/dL for women. Moreover, a total blood cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or more would also need more extensive tests to determine healthy cholesterol levels.

In order to acquire healthy cholesterol levels, one needs to exert more effort and sacrifices. A change in diet, that is, eating healthy foods will help a lot. Exercise of at least 30 minutes a day can also bring a lot of positive changes. Just keep in mind, that having healthy cholesterol level does not happen overnight.