What does Cholesterol number say about you?
The information discussed should not be used to diagnose one self. Consulting your healthcare provider for concerns or questions regarding medical conditions is still recommended.
Having blood cholesterol level tests might not be an integral part of the important things to do. It’s usually done upon the recommendation of a physician or when our body starts feeling that we need one.
When to begin having cholesterol blood testing?
- 20 and older individual for at least once in every 5 years
- Men aged 35 and older, women aged 45 and older must be done frequently
Chemical compound cholesterol is naturally produced in our body and is brought about by a structurally combination of lipid (fat) and steroid. “Lipoprotein profile” or “lipid profile” is the blood test that must be requested. A 9 to 12 hour fasting must be done prior to venipuncture or blood draw.
The lipoprotein profile comprises of the following:
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)
- Also called Bad cholesterol
- Blocks the arteries as it builds up on the lining wall.
- High concentration entails high risk of having coronary heart disease.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)
- Known as Good cholesterol
- Cleans the bloodstream from cholesterol excesses brought about by LDL.
- Low HDL indicates higher risk of having coronary heart disease.
Triglyceride
- Chemical compound in the body called “ester” that stores calories that are not being used.
- Mostly derived from unsaturated oil sources.
- High level indicates higher risk of having coronary heart disease.
Total cholesterol
- A calculation of the sum of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and Triglyceride.
Standard agreed formula is:
Total cholesterol = LDL cholesterol + HDL cholesterol + (Triglyceride/5)
The table below shows the normal and abnormal numbers that will help you to determine your risk of having heart related disease.
|
LDL Cholesterol |
LDL Category |
| 100 and less | Normal range |
| 100-129 | Slightly above normal |
| 130-159 | Slightly high |
| 160-189 | High |
| 190 and above | Very High |
|
HDL Cholesterol |
HDL Category |
| Above 60 | Normal range; Low risk for heart disease |
| Men: 40 or less | Risk for heart disease |
| Women: 50 or less | Risk for heart disease |
|
Triglyceride |
Triglyceride Category |
| 150 or less | Normal |
| 150-199 | Slightly above normal |
| 200-499 | High |
| 500 and above | Very High |
|
Total Cholesterol |
Cholesterol Category |
| 200 or less | Desirable |
| 200-239 | Slightly above desired amount |
| 240 and Above | High |
*Numerical results are measured in mg/dl of cholesterol in blood.
Important things to keep in mind:
- Laboratories have guidelines, like the one shown above, in helping physicians in diagnosing a patient’s condition.
- High concentration levels of LDL cholesterol and low concentration level of HDL cholesterol may indicate higher risk of having atherosclerosis.
- Healthcare experts recommend that cholesterol level must be 200 or below.
- Lower high cholesterol level is obtained by having a low cholesterol diet, proper routine program of exercise and medication.
- Available drugs to lower high cholesterol level are manufactured using statin, bile acid resins and fibric acid derivatives.