b'CHAPTER TWO Cholesterol and Your Cardiovascular System I f you ask most people what the biggest risk for a heart attack is, they would likely say high cholesterol. But it turns out, cholesterol is just one of several risk factors for cardiovascular disease. And it may not be as important as you think.Cholesterol is a wax-like fatty substance produced in the liver, and its actually essential for good health. In fact, the body uses cholesterol to build the structure of cell membranes and make hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and adrenal hormones. Its also critical for a well-running metabolism and for the synthesis of vitamin D. Yet many peopleincluding physiciansbelieve that high cholesterol is the best indicator of an impending heart attack. Compelling new research suggests that unhealthy lipid levels may, however, not be the best marker of a persons risk. In fact, according to researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, nearly 75 percent of people hospitalized for a heart attack have normal cholesterol levels.Thats not to say your cholesterol isnt important. An overabundance of LDL cholesterol increases the odds of plaque in your arteries. But the quantity of LDL cholesterol may not be as important as the quality. Studies now suggest that arterial plaque forms faster when LDL cholesterol becomes damaged Cholesterol Guidelines for AdultsAccording to the 2018 guidelines on the management of blood cholesterol published in theJournal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), these are the acceptable, borderline, and high measurements for adults. All values are listed in mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).Total cholesterol HDL cholesterol LDL cholesterol TriglyceridesLess than 200The ideal level is 60 orLess than 100; Good (but the lowerhigher; 40 or higher forbelow 70 ifLess than 149; the better) men and 50 or higher forcoronary arteryideal is 100women is acceptable disease is presentBorderline to moderately200239 n/a 130159 150199elevated160 or higher;200 or higher; High 240 or higher 60 or higher 190 is considered500 is considered very high very highLow n/a less than 40 for men andn/a n/aless than 50 for women6GET HEART HEALTHY'