Your cholesterol readings indicate how much cholesterol is in your bloodstream. Your HDL ("good" cholesterol) level should be high (preferably 60 to 80). Your LDL ("bad") cholesterol should be less than 100. Your total should be under 200. Discuss with your provider what your results mean for you and how to control your cholesterol.
Why are my cholesterol levels important?
Your cholesterol levels are significant because they help you determine your risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a sort of lipid (fat) that aids your body in a variety of critical activities. However, having too much cholesterol in your blood is dangerous. It can infiltrate your arterial wall, weakening it and causing atherosclerotic plaque (hardened deposits) to form.
The process of plaque buildup is known as atherosclerosis. It can cause major complications, such as:
Coronary artery disease: Blocked blood supply to the heart.
Peripheral Artery Disease: Blocked blood flow to the legs and arms.
Carotid Artery Disease: Blocked blood supply to the brain.
You can live with high cholesterol for many years without realizing it. That's why it's critical to have your cholesterol evaluated on a regular basis. If your cholesterol levels are excessively high (hyperlipidemia), it should raise red flags for you and your doctor, as it may put you at risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Many people have elevated cholesterol levels, which are a major risk factor for heart disease. However, you are not trapped with your current cholesterol levels. It is possible to change them by altering some habits and possibly taking medications. The first step is to understand what your numbers are. Then, you can work with your healthcare professional to obtain healthier statistics, if necessary.
What cholesterol levels are measured?
The primary levels your healthcare provider examines are:
whole cholesterol refers to the whole amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein): This is the "bad" cholesterol that, when elevated, contributes to plaque accumulation in your arteries.
VLDL (very-low density lipoprotein) is another form of cholesterol that is considered "bad" when present in excess.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein): This is the "good" cholesterol that helps your body eliminate unwanted substances.
A lipid panel or profile is a blood test used by your provider to determine your cholesterol levels. They also check your triglycerides (another form of fat) at the same time. A provider will collect blood from a vein in your arm and send it to a laboratory for testing.
Follow your provider's advice on how to prepare for the test. You'll probably need to fast for 12 hours beforehand. This involves avoiding all foods and beverages other than water.
When your results arrive, your provider will notify you. You may also be able to view your results via your electronic medical record. The results will indicate your cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter of blood. This is shortened to mg/dL.
What are the normal cholesterol levels?
Normal cholesterol levels vary according to your age, ethnicity, and gender. Here are the figures that healthcare providers consider normal for most adults. In general, low levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are regarded healthier.
Total cholesterol: Under 200
LDL cholesterol: Below 100
VLDL cholesterol: Below 30
HDL cholesterol ranges from 40 to 80 for men and 50 to 80 for women.
Here are a few details concerning these levels:
If you have heart disease or other risk factors, your LDL target may vary. Your healthcare professional may prefer it to be less than 70.
Your HDL is the one statistic that providers prefer to see higher, not lower. Your HDL levels should be between 60 and 80 to protect you from heart disease. An HDL level of 80 or more is considered excessive and may be harmful to your health.
Your HDL is also the sole number with sex-based variations. Females require higher HDL levels than males.
What constitutes high cholesterol?
High cholesterol is defined as having a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or greater, or being above normal. However, providers also utilize phrases such as "borderline high" to categorize your results. If your numbers are relatively typical, they may be easier to control.
Here are the high cholesterol values you should know:
Total cholesterol:
Borderline high: 200–239
High: 240 or higher LDL cholesterol levels.
Elevated: 100–129.
Borderline high: 130–159.
High: 160-189
Very high (190 or above) VLDL cholesterol:
30, or higher.
Can cholesterol levels get too low?
Lower LDL, VLDL, and total cholesterol levels are generally preferable – as low as possible. Researchers have not established a lower limit for these. But your HDL is distinct. It ought to be higher, not lower. It should not dip below 40 (in men) or 50 (in women).
How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
Your doctor will advise you how often you should get your cholesterol checked. It depends on your
Age: As you get older, you'll require more cholesterol checks.
Family history: If a close biological family member has high cholesterol or has had a heart attack or stroke, you may require more frequent cholesterol tests.
Risk factors for heart disease: If you have a heart disease diagnosis or risk factors, you will require more frequent cholesterol tests.
Sex: Males require more frequent tests, beginning at a younger age.
Children should get their first test between the ages of nine and eleven. Then they should be tested every five years. Based on family history, your child's doctor may advise him or her to begin at a young age.
Here are typical guidelines for individuals based on their gender and age:
Males
20 to 44Every five years45 to 65Every one to two years65+Every year
Females
20 to 54Every five years55 to 65Every one to two years65+Every year
Knowing your cholesterol levels can help you understand your risk of heart disease, but your numbers are only one part of the bigger picture. Your healthcare provider will consider your overall health and other risk factors when interpreting your results. If your levels are outside the recommended range, don’t panic—talk to your provider about what they mean and how you can work toward healthier levels.