There are two types of cholesterol in our bodies: HDL and LDL.

HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is known as “good” cholesterol because it protects against heart disease by removing excess cholesterol from the artery walls, sending it to the liver, where it can be removed from the bloodstream. The more HDL in your blood the better – a healthy level is 60+, while a low level is 40 or under.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the “bad” cholesterol. Too much LDL will clog your arteries, blocking blood flow to your heart, brain and other vital organs, and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Just how much LDL is dangerous?

Check out this chart, based on the National Cholesterol Education Program’s guidelines for people over age 20.

LDL CHOLESTEROL

A cholesterol test measures the amount of LDL in your blood. Here’s how your score stacks up:

* Optimum: less than 100

* Near optimum: 100-129

* Borderline high: 130-159

* High: 160-189

* Very high: 190 or higher