This is a question asked by many people after they check their cholesterol levels through a blood test. The blood test gives them numbers, of course, but most people have no idea what these numbers mean or represent. They could have a too high or low LDL level and not even know it, which is why it is beneficial to know what terms such as LDL and HDL mean.
Before you find out what the proper LDL level should be, it helps to know the meaning of it first. To begin with, the lower the LDL level you have, the better it is for you. LDL is the bad cholesterol floating in your bloodstream.
This type of cholesterol has the potential to cause blockages by setting the stage for mineral and fat deposits. This type of fat can also damage your arteries. LDL stands for low density lipoprotein or, more easily understood, bad cholesterol.
The type of cholesterol you want hanging around your arteries is HDL, which stands for high density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol. Increasing this type of cholesterol and decreasing LDL is defintely the way to go.
Finally, the normal amount of LDL cholesterol in a person should be less than 130 mg/dL. As for HDL, it should be greater than 30 mg/dL.