Cholesterol levels should be measured at
least once every five years by everyone over the age of 20. The
screening test that is usually performed is a blood test called a
lipoprotein profile. Experts
recommend that men aged 35 and older and women age 45 and older be
routinely screened for lipid disorders. The lipoprotein
profile includes:
Results
of your blood test will come in the forms of numbers. Here is how to
interpret your cholesterol numbers:
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of
your arteries and increase your chances of getting heart disease. That
is why LDL cholesterol is referred to as "bad" cholesterol. The lower
your LDL cholesterol number, the better it is for your health. The
table below explains what the numbers mean.
| LDL Cholesterol |
LDL-Cholesterol Category
|
| Less than 100 |
Optimal |
| 100 - 129 |
Near optimal/above optimal |
| 130 - 159 |
Borderline high |
| 160 - 189 |
High |
| 190 and above |
Very high |
If you have heart disease or blood vessel
disease, some experts recommend that you should try to get your LDL
cholesterol below 70. For people with diabetes or other multiple risk
factors for heart disease, the treatment goal is to reach an LDL of
less than 100.
HDL Cholesterol
When it comes to HDL cholesterol -- "good"
cholesterol -- the higher the number, the better it is for your health.
This is because HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease by
taking the "bad" cholesterol out of your blood and keeping it from
building up in your arteries. The table below explains what the numbers
mean.
| HDL Cholesterol |
HDL-Cholesterol Category
|
| 60 and above |
High; Optimal; helps to lower risk of
heart disease |
| Less than 40 in men and less than 50
in women |
Low; considered a risk factor for
heart disease |
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which
most fat exists in food and the body. A high triglyceride level has
been linked to the occurrence of coronary artery disease in some
people. Here's the breakdown.
| Triglycerides |
Triglyceride Category
|
| Less than 150 |
Normal |
| 150 - 199 |
Borderline high |
| 200 - 499 |
High |
| 500 or higher |
Very high |
Total Cholesterol
Your total blood cholesterol is a measure of
LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and other lipid components. Doctors
recommend total cholesterol levels below 200
| Total Cholesterol |
Category |
| Less than 200 |
Desirable |
| 200 - 239 |
Borderline High |
| 240 and above |
High
|