According to a screening test at work, my HDL is low.  I was shocked.  The last numbers I remember were exceptional.  My HDL, LDL and Triglycerides were all within the ideal range.  I was sure that I was still a beneficiary of having a low total cholestrol levels and never expected that any of my numbers could be too low.  We'll they are. 

Let's breakdown this whole cholestrol thing.

• Cholesterol is a fat called a lipid.  We couldn't live without cholesterol, among other things it builds cell membranes and makes several essential hormones. The liver usually produces enough cholesterol for the body and food high in satturated fats or trans fats seem to cause the liver to produce too much cholestrol.
• HDL (High density lipoprotein) - the "good" or "healthy" cholestrol takes cholestrol back to the liver to be removed from the body.  Apparently, I don't have enough of
• LDL (Low density lipoprotein) - the "bad" or "lousy' cholestrol carries cholestrol throughout blood to where it is needed.  Too much of can cause plaque build up in the arties.

In addition to measuring cholesterol, we need to know our triglyceride levels.

• Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body and are chains of high-energy fatty acides that provide most of the energy needed for cells to function.  Obviously, we can't live without triglycercides either.  While high levels have been associated with increased heart disease

 

Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
Total Cholesterol     Normal value: less than 200	Triglycerides     Normal values: 90 – 150
LDL     Normal values: less than 130     Borderline: 130 - 159     High Risk: greater than 160	HDL     Normal values:         Men: > 40         Women: > 50         Best: > 60

I'm working on my plan to change my numbers.  Really, I thought I was doing well.  I'll have to do better.  So far, everything I've seen simply leads me to more eating write and exercising.  I'll keep you updated.