What cholesterol test levels results mean?

As a component of a standard exam, or on the grounds that they suspect you might be in danger for coronary illness, your medical care supplier might send you for a cholesterol test and figure out your cholesterol test levels. Yet, do you have any idea about what cholesterol test level results truly mean? Peruse on to figure out how to decipher these numbers.

Why are my cholesterol test levels important?

Your cholesterol test levels are important because they can help you understand your risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a lipid (fat) that helps your body perform many important functions. But too much cholesterol in your blood is bad for you. It can enter the walls of your arteries, destroying their integrity and causing atherosclerotic plaques (hardened deposits) to form.

This process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis. It can lead to serious problems, such as

• Coronary artery disease: blockage of blood flow to the heart.
• Peripheral artery disease: Blockage of blood flow to the legs and arms.
• Carotid artery disease: Blocked blood flow to the brain.

Cholesterol moves silently through your bloodstream. It turns into plaque without a sound. Plaque builds up like someone tiptoeing on the carpet. You may not see or notice it for a long time. You may not have any symptoms until you have a heart attack or stroke. At that time, plaque is like a high heel on a hardwood floor. It has taken a serious toll on your body.

You can live with high cholesterol for years and not even know it. That's why it's important to check your cholesterol test levels regularly. If your cholesterol number is too high (hyperlipidemia), this is a red flag for you and your health care provider. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. But catching it early can give you the opportunity to make changes to get your cholesterol to a healthy level.

What is a cholesterol test level for?

Cholesterol test level can give you and your medical care supplier with significant data about your gamble for coronary illness. Assuming your test shows that you have elevated cholesterol, you can do whatever it takes to bring down it. This might lessen your gamble of creating coronary illness later on. Cholesterol tests measure:

• Low-thickness lipoprotein levels. Otherwise called "terrible" cholesterol, LDL is a significant wellspring of obstructed courses.
• High-thickness lipoprotein levels. HDL is thought of as the "upside" cholesterol and disposes of the "terrible" LDL cholesterol.
• Absolute cholesterol. The amount of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in the blood.
• Fatty oil level. Fatty substances are a sort of fat in the blood. A few examinations propose that elevated degrees of fatty oils might expand the gamble of coronary illness, particularly in ladies.
• Extremely low thickness lipoprotein (VLDL) levels. Extremely low thickness lipoprotein (VLDL) is one more kind of "terrible" cholesterol. High VLDL levels are related with
• VLDL levels are related with plaque development in the supply routes. VLDL isn't generally remembered for routine cholesterol tests since it is challenging to gauge. About portion of VLDL is fatty substances, so your VLDL level can be assessed as a level of your fatty substance level.

Why do I need to know about cholesterol test levels?

Your provider may require a cholesterol test level as part of a routine checkup. You may also need a cholesterol test if you have a family history of heart disease, or if you are at high risk for heart disease due to

• high blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Smoking
• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of physical activity
• A diet high in saturated fat

Your age may also be a factor, as your risk of heart disease increases with age.

Who should get a cholesterol test?

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a person's first cholesterol screening should be done between the ages of 9 and 11, and then repeated every five years.

The NHLBI recommends cholesterol screening every 1 to 2 years for men between the ages of 45 and 65 and for women between the ages of 55 and 65. people over the age of 65 should have their cholesterol tested once a year.
More frequent testing may be needed if your initial test results were abnormal or if you already have coronary artery disease, are taking cholesterol-lowering medications, or if you are at higher risk for coronary artery disease because you

• Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
• Are overweight
• Are physically inactive
• Have diabetes
• Eat an unhealthy diet
• Smoke

People who are treated for high cholesterol need to have regular cholesterol tests to monitor the effectiveness of their treatment.

What do the cholesterol test level results mean?

Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. The information below will help you understand what your test results mean. In general, low LDL levels and high HDL cholesterol levels are good for heart health.

In the United States, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. In Canada and many European countries, cholesterol levels are measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). To interpret your test results, use these general guidelines.

Total Cholesterol Level	Category
Less than 200mg/dL	Desirable
200-239 mg/dL	Borderline high
240mg/dL and above	High

 

LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Level	LDL Cholesterol Category
Less than 100mg/dL	Optimal (best for your health)
100-129mg/dL	Near optimal
130-159 mg/dL	Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL	High
190 mg/dL and above	Very High

 

HDL (Good) Cholesterol Level	HDL Cholesterol Category
60 mg/dL and higher	Considered protective against heart disease
40-59 mg/dL	The higher, the better
Less than 40 mg/dL	A major risk factor for heart disease

 

The LDL listed on your results may say "calculated." This means that your LDL level is an estimate based on your total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. Your LDL level may also be measured "directly" from your blood sample. Either way, you want your LDL number to be low.

A healthy cholesterol level for you may depend on your age, family history, lifestyle, and other risk factors for heart disease, such as high triglyceride levels.

What else do I need to know after knowing the results of my cholesterol test level?

After checking your blood work, your doctor will also consider other risk factors that you may have for heart disease, including

• Your family history
• your age
• Weight
• Ethnicity
• gender
• Diet
• Blood pressure and whether you are being treated for hypertension
• Activity level
• Smoking status
• History of diabetes
• Evidence of elevated blood sugar

Your doctor will then discuss your risk level and the potential benefits of taking steps, including changes to your activity level and diet and the use of medications to improve your cholesterol levels to reduce your overall risk.

References：

1. Cholesterol test - Mayo Clinic

2. 

Cholesterol Levels: MedlinePlus Medical Test

See also:

1. Cholesterol care