High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is a major risk factor for both heart disease and stroke.  In many cases, abnormal cholesterol levels are a combination of both high LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) a low HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol).  High cholesterol can be caused by an unhealthy diet or by heredity—or both.

Cholesterol Tests

Most people who have high cholesterol may not even be aware of their cholesterol level.  Because high cholesterol can cause several health risks, this can be dangerous.  Doctors suggest that people find out their cholesterol levels by getting cholesterol tests.

A blood test called a lipid profile is all that is required to find out cholesterol levels.  The test needs to be performed after a person fasts for at least 9 to 12 hours; therefore, it is typically best for a person to get the test in the morning.  A lipid profile provides detailed information regarding the cholesterol levels in the blood.

Regarding test results, there will be three numbers—one each for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, an LDL cholesterol.  Here is how to interpret those numbers:

For total cholesterol:

• 200 mg/dL or less is good.
• 201 – 240 mg/dL is borderline.
• 241 mg/dL or greater is considered high.

For HDL (‘good’ cholesterol)—Higher is better.

• 60 mg/dL or higher is good.
• 40 – 59 mg/dL is acceptable.
• 39 mg/dL or less is low.

For LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol)—Lower is better.

• 100 mg/dL or less is best.
• 101 – 129 mg/dL is acceptable.
• 130 – 159 mg/dL is borderline high.
• 160 mg/dL or greater is considered to be high.
• 190 mg/dL or greater is considered to be very high.

Treatment for High Cholesterol

People who receive less than optimal results from a lipid profile test should work with their doctors to formulate a plan for lowering their cholesterol.  Lifestyle changes—including a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol as well as regular exercise—can help.  If those changes are not enough, though, medication may be necessary.

Having high cholesterol does not mean that heart disease is imminent; there are many other factors that contribute to heart disease.  However, more people with high cholesterol will go on to develop heart disease—because of this, it is wise to be aware of cholesterol numbers and to work towards improving them.

Tags | Cholesterol