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It's important to keep your cholesterol levels within healthy limits. But if you have other risk factors for developing heart disease, you need to be even more vigilant — especially with your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol levels.
Types of cholesterol
LDL cholesterol can build up on the inside of artery walls, contributing to artery blockages that can lead to heart attacks. Higher LDL cholesterol levels mean higher risk. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps prevent arteries from becoming clogged. Higher HDL cholesterol levels generally mean lower risk.
A blood test to check cholesterol levels — called a lipid panel or lipid profile — typically reports:
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides, a type of fat often increased by sweets and alcohol
For the most accurate measurements, don't eat or drink anything (other than water) for nine to 12 hours before the blood sample is taken.
Interpreting the numbers
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. But what are the optimal levels of these various lipids? Consider these general guidelines.
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Total cholesterol
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Below 200 mg/dL
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Desirable
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200-239 mg/dL
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Borderline high
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240 mg/dL and above
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High
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LDL cholesterol
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Below 70 mg/dL
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Optimal for people at very high risk of heart disease
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Below 100 mg/dL
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Optimal for people at risk of heart disease
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100-129 mg/dL
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Near optimal
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130-159 mg/dL
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Borderline high
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160-189 mg/dL
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High
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190 mg/dL and above
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Very high
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HDL cholesterol
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Below 40 mg/dL
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Poor
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40-59 mg/dL
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Better
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60 mg/dL and above
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Best
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Triglycerides
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Below 150 mg/dL
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Desirable
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150-199 mg/dL
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Borderline high
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200-499 mg/dL
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High
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500 or above
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Very high
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