Your lipid profile measures cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Key numbers: Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL, LDL below 100, HDL above 40 (men) / 50 (women), triglycerides below 150.

High LDL (bad cholesterol) is the primary cause of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. HDL (good cholesterol) removes excess cholesterol from arteries.

Lifestyle interventions — regular exercise, Mediterranean-style diet, and quitting smoking — can dramatically improve lipid numbers in 8-12 weeks.