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Cholesterol and Heart Health: LDL, HDL, Triglycerides and Healthy Targets Explained

Understanding your lipid panel.

Quick answer

Cholesterol is a waxy fat carried in the blood by lipoproteins. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) can build up in artery walls, so lower is generally better; HDL (high-density lipoprotein) helps carry cholesterol back to the liver; and triglycerides are another type of blood fat linked to diet and metabolism. General adult targets are total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL, LDL below 100 mg/dL, HDL of 40 mg/dL or higher for men and 50 or higher for women, and triglycerides below 150 mg/dL, though your doctor will set targets based on your overall risk. Fibre, healthy fats, exercise, not smoking and healthy weight all help.

Key takeaways

Cholesterol is not all bad: your body needs it to build cells and hormones. The problem is too much of the wrong kind in the wrong place.

The main numbers

MeasureGeneral target (adults)
Total cholesterolBelow 200 mg/dL
LDL cholesterolBelow 100 mg/dL (lower for higher risk)
HDL cholesterol40+ (men), 50+ (women) mg/dL
TriglyceridesBelow 150 mg/dL

What helps

Eat more soluble fibre

Oats, beans, lentils, apples and barley help reduce LDL absorption.

Swap fats

Replace saturated fats (fatty meat, butter) with unsaturated fats from olive oil, nuts, seeds and fish.

Move and manage weight

Regular activity raises HDL and lowers triglycerides.

Limit sugar and alcohol

Both can raise triglycerides.

Niacin and cholesterol

Niacin (vitamin B3) has long been known for its role in blood-fat metabolism. High prescription doses were once used for cholesterol, but they are no longer routinely recommended. Vasoryn contains a nutritional amount (20 mg, 125% DV) to support normal lipid metabolism, alongside L-citrulline, pine bark and grape skin for vascular support.

Get tested: most adults should have a lipid panel every 4 to 6 years, more often with risk factors. Do not stop cholesterol medication without your doctor's advice.

Sources

  1. American Heart Association – "What your cholesterol levels mean."
  2. Grundy S.M. et al. – "2018 AHA/ACC guideline on the management of blood cholesterol," Circulation, 2019.
  3. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements – "Niacin" fact sheet.

Common questions

What is a healthy LDL level?

Generally below 100 mg/dL, lower if your doctor says you are at higher risk.

How can I raise HDL?

Regular exercise, not smoking and healthy fats help.

Does Vasoryn contain niacin?

Yes, 20 mg (125% DV) to support normal blood-fat metabolism.

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