Understanding LDL Cholesterol and HDL Cholesterol Levels
Many people are not aware of their elevated LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels until they experience a stroke or heart attack. About 80 % closure of the arteries is possible with no outward symptoms. There are people who even start to develop cholesterol build up as early as childhood. It is actually unusual to find an adult in the United States without any atherosclerosis at some degree.
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Cholesterol Test
Cholesterol test is not like most tests that are used to monitor or diagnose certain diseases. It is used to make an estimation of the risk of developing a certain disease such as heart disease. A cholesterol test is part of a routine preventive health care because the hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis has been linked to high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol.
A lipid profile is a complete test, which can vary from test to test. A simple blood test is needed to diagnose LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and other cholesterol levels including triglycerides. Blood is usually drawn from a vein in the arm or the back of the hand.
The cholesterol test can sometimes be tricky. An evaluation or screening done without fasting will only measure HDL cholesterol levels and the total cholesterol. It will not be accurate and will only come out with a ballpark figure. If you want accurate numbers, you should fast by not eating or drinking anything 12 hours prior to the cholesterol test and avoid strenuous exercise 24hours before the testing. You should also tell whoever is testing you about any medicines that you are taking that may affect the results. Water is the only beverage that can be taken.
LDL Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol and Cholesterol Levels
It is important to understanding your LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels after you get your blood results. It is important to clarify the terminologies. Dietary cholesterol would refer to cholesterol from the food that you have ingested. The American Heart Associations advised no more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day. Most of the products would have nutrition information indicated on the labels including cholesterol. Serum cholesterol, blood cholesterol and total cholesterol all mean the same thing. It refers to the total cholesterol levels found in your body. This is what the cholesterol test measures.
The cholesterol test will show results with four numbers:
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- Total Cholesterol Levels
- Triglyceride
In reference to the total cholesterol levels, less than 200 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) is “desirable”, cholesterol levels 200 and 239 is labeled as “borderline high” and levels higher than 240 considered “high” according to the National Cholesterol Education Program.
Triglyceride levels beyond 400 mg/dl are labeled as “high” while levels over 1,000 mg/dl are said to be “very high”.
For HDL cholesterol, the higher the levels are, the better. Since there is less HDL cholesterol found in the blood, the numbers for HDL cholesterol are lower. Levels lower than 35 mg/dl is said to be “high risk”. On the other hand, if HDL cholesterol levels are very high which is more than 60 mg/dl, then the risk of heart disease is lowered.
LDL cholesterol is referred to as bad cholesterol and the most vital indicator in predicting a heart attack. For LDL cholesterol, the lower the levels, the better it is. A result below 160 mg/dl is acceptable but it is best to maintain levels below 130 mg/dl.
Understanding Cholesterol Levels
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Optimal/Best |
Near Optimal |
Borderline High |
High Risk |
Very High Risk |
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LDL Cholesterol Levels |
Less than 100 mg/dL |
100 to 129 mg/dL |
130 to 159 mg/dL |
160 to 189 mg/dL |
190 mg/dL and above |
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HDL Cholesterol Levels |
60 mg/dL and above |
55-59 mg/dL |
50-54 mg/dL |
Below 40 mg/dL (men) |
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Total Blood Cholesterol Levels |
Less than 180 mg/dL |
181 to 199 mg/dL |
200 to 215 mg/dL |
216–239 mg/dL |
240 mg/dL and over |
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Triglyceride |
less than 150 mg/dL |
150–174 mg/dL |
175–199 mg/dL |
200–499 mg/dL |
500 mg/d |
How to Lower Cholesterol Levels
A healthy diet combined with regular exercise and avoiding smoking can help manage both LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels and lead to a good heart health. Be it cholesterol drugs, medical procedures, natural supplements, lifestyle changes or a diet - weigh the risks and benefits before you make a decision.
A diet addressing heart health should be one of the top options to consider in order to prevent atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Follow the links to learn more about Low Cholesterol Foods to include and High Cholesterol Foods to avoid in your diet. You can also read about Cholesterol Lowering Supplements that Work and Cholesterol Lifestyle Suggestions that can make all the difference.
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A diet based on low cholesterol foods can significantly improve your cholesterol levels. When high cholesterol foods are likely to blame for this health problem, making healthy changes to one’s diet can help resolve this condition and prevent the onset of life-threatening diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, stroke and obesity. High cholesterol problems compromise heart health. It increases one’s the risk of developing coronary heart diseases as it disrupts normal heart functions. When high cholesterol levels often lead to plaque…Read 474 times Read more...
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