The cholesterol levels in your blood are a measure of the amount of cholesterol circulating. You want your HDL (good cholesterol) to be as high as possible (ideally, above 60). Your LDL ("bad cholesterol") should be less than 100. Total should be less than 200. Discuss with your doctor what your results mean and how you can manage your cholesterol.
Why is my cholesterol number important?
It is important to know your cholesterol levels because they can help you determine whether or not you are at risk of heart disease. Cholesterol, a type lipid (fat), helps your body perform important functions. Too much cholesterol is harmful. It can enter the artery wall and damage it, causing atherosclerotic deposits (hardened deposits). Atherosclerosis is the process of plaque accumulation. Coronary artery diseases: Blockage of blood flow to the heart. Peripheral arterial disease: Blockage of blood flow in your arms and legs. Carotid arterial disease: Blockage of blood flow to the brain. Cholesterol is silently carried through your blood. Silently, it becomes plaque. Plaque accumulation is similar to someone tiptoeing across carpet. It may take a while to notice or see its presence. You might not experience any symptoms until after a stroke or heart attack. The plaque looks like high heels on hardwood floors. It's already done serious damage to the body. It's possible to live with high cholesterol for years without knowing it. It's important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) is a warning sign for both you and your doctor. High cholesterol is one of the major causes of heart disease. Early detection gives you the chance to take action and bring your cholesterol down to a healthy range.
What type of test can measure cholesterol?
A blood test known as a lipid profile (or lipid panel) is used by your provider to check the cholesterol levels in your body. Your provider will take blood from a vein on your arm, and then send it to a laboratory for analysis. Follow your provider's instructions for how to prepare. You will probably need to fast 12 hours before the test. You should avoid all food and beverages except water. Your provider will inform you when your results are available. Your electronic medical record may allow you to view your results. You'll see the following numbers on your lipid panel: Total cholesterol - This is the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood. The formula to calculate total cholesterol is: HDL + triglycerides + 20% = total cholesterol. HDL (high-density Lipoprotein) level: HDL stands for high-density Lipoprotein. This "good" cholesterol moves excess cholesterol from your bloodstream into your liver. The liver gets rid of the excess cholesterol. Think of the letter "h" when you see HDL. HDLs are important because they help to remove the cholesterol from your arteries that your body does not need. You want your lipid level to be as high as possible. LDL: Low-density Lipoprotein. This is "bad" cholesterol, which contributes to the buildup of plaque in your arteries. LDLs are necessary because they transport cholesterol to the cells of your body. Too many LDLs can be harmful. Very low-density Lipoprotein (VLDL) is the VLDL level. This is another "bad" type that contributes plaque formation. VLDLs are a form of fat in your blood (triglycerides). Extra fat in your arteries can be caused by having too many VLDLs. Triglycerides are a form of fat. You need triglycerides. But high levels (hypertriglyceridemia) can put you at risk for atherosclerosis and other diseases. Non-HDL cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood other than HDL. This number can be calculated using the following formula: Total cholesterol + HDL = NonHDL cholesterol Divide your total cholesterol by your HDL. You want to keep your total cholesterol below five. You may see a chart that shows more information and desired levels.
What is the unit for measuring cholesterol?
The healthcare providers measure cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter blood. The abbreviation for mg/dL is. These same units are used by providers to measure triglycerides.
What is the normal cholesterol level?
The normal cholesterol level depends on the age and gender assigned to you at birth.
Sex differences
The majority of normal cholesterol levels remain the same, regardless of gender. There is a key difference between adults. This is your HDL level. The chart shows that people who are females at birth require a higher HDL (at least 50), compared to people who are males at birth (at minimum 40).
What is high cholesterol?
Your total cholesterol level is considered high if it exceeds 200 mg/dL. To further break down the results, providers may use categories such as "borderline high", "near optimal", and "near-optimal". If your results are near normal, you may find it easier to control them by making lifestyle and dietary adjustments.
How often should my cholesterol be checked?
You will be told by your provider how often to have your cholesterol tested. Your:
Age: As you age, you will need your numbers to be checked more frequently.
Family history: You are at a greater risk for heart problems if you have a biological relative with a heart disease history. If a family member has a high cholesterol level or a history heart attack or stroke, you may need to have cholesterol tests more frequently. You'll require more frequent cholesterol tests if you have heart disease, or if you are at risk. Sex at birth: Males born to females need more frequent cholesterol tests. The first test for children and teenagers under 19 years old should be between the ages of 9 and 11 years. They should then be tested every five years. The provider of your child may suggest starting earlier based on the family history.
Just found out I have high cholesterol. What now?
It may be upsetting to discover that you have high cholesterol. Now that you are aware of your high cholesterol, you can do something to reduce it.
You can reduce your risk of developing heart disease by following your doctor's advice. Some general tips include:
Increase your daily exercise routine.
Avoid all tobacco products and smoking.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Start by making small changes in your diet.
High blood pressure and high sugar levels can be managed.
Stress management: Learn how to deal with it.
Follow your doctor's prescription.
Don't blame yourself. It is difficult to control high cholesterol through lifestyle alone. Many factors are beyond our control, and these limit the choices that we can make. Remember to be kind to yourself and that your cholesterol levels do not define you. These numbers are a simple window into your body. Your provider can help you plan treatment to keep your arteries in good health for many years to come. Cleveland Clinic's note Knowing your cholesterol levels can help you determine your heart disease risk. Remember that your cholesterol levels are only part of the picture. To learn more about the risks you face, your provider will look at your overall health. Don't be alarmed if you find that your cholesterol levels are outside of the normal range. Speak to your doctor about the significance of your cholesterol levels in relation to your overall health. Work with your provider to bring your numbers to a healthier level.
