Cholesterol, although a fat, is an essential nutrient for the body. It is made in the liver. The liver produces cholesterol in the necessary quantities for a healthy body, then revs up its production when we ingest a diet high in saturated fats and foods such as meats, dairy products and eggs. When the liver cannot efficiently dispose of the cholesterol excesses of a high fat diet, the excess cholesterol becomes bad cholesterol (LDL) and travels to the arteries of the heart and deposits itself there in the form of plaque. As the plaque accumulates, the walls of the arteries narrow and blood flow to the heart is restricted and eventually blocked.

The theory that "a higher ratio of something good to something bad is always better" is especially true for a healthy heart. This new standard compares our bad cholesterol (LDL) to our good cholesterol (HDL), rather than our good cholesterol to our total cholesterol.

Here are two examples, both using the same method, of how to arrive at the ratio of your bad cholesterol (LDL) to your good cholesterol (HDL):

*LDL of 129 divided by HDL of 40 = a ratio of 3.2 *LDL of 99 divided by HDL of 60 = a ratio of 1.7

The first ratio example of 3.2 indicates the lesser risk of having a heart attack or stroke as compared to the higher risks of up to 11.0. The lower the ratio the better. In general, a ratio of 3.5 or below is recommended.

The second ratio of 1.7 represents the recommended guidelines for optimal, or the best, levels of good and bad cholesterol, which is below 100 for LDL and above 59 for HDL. A ratio of 1.7 or any ratio below 3.3 is considered even better than a low risk.

Risk Levels for Heart Attach or Stroke due to blocked arteries:

*Considered a Low Risk: 3.3 to 4.4 *Considered an Average Risk: 4.4 to 7.1 *Considered a Moderate Risk: 7.1 to 11.0 *Considered a High Risk: 11.0

Consider these three questions:

*Is your blood pressure above healthy levels? *Do you smoke cigarettes? *Do you have a family history of heart disease?

If your answer is "yes" to any of the above, you may have additional risk factors for heart disease, even if your cholesterol risk-ratio is at optimal levels. While you can do nothing about family history, general medical advice urges us to get control of high blood pressure and quit smoking.

If you do not know your cholesterol numbers: total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, make an appointment to discuss your cholesterol ratios with your doctor and request a copy of your lab report for your files. Your physician's analysis is your best guide to cholesterol management.