What do your cholesterol numbers mean?
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Dr. Dean Ornish answered:Your total cholesterol level is comprised of different components, including LDL (for low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). Your body stores fat in the form of a substance called triglycerides, ugly yellow fat globules that appear in your bloodstream about an hour after you eat a high-fat meal. By now, many people have heard that HDL is often called "good cholesterol" and LDL is frequently referred to as "bad cholesterol."
These classifications of HDL and LDL are based on studies of people who eat a typical American diet. For those people, a low HDL level increases the risk of coronary heart disease as much as a high LDL does. Likewise, high triglycerides increase the risk of coronary heart disease in people who eat a high-fat, high cholesterol diet.
Find out more about this book: Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease: The Only System Scie...Helpful? 1 person found this helpful
Your total cholesterol level is comprised of different components, including LDL (for low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). Your body stores fat in the form of a substance called triglycerides, ugly yellow fat globules that... More -
Dr. Natalia Rost answered:The National Cholesterol Education Program has guidelines for total cholesterol levels as well as for low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the "bad" cholesterol), HDL (high-density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol), and triglycerides.
Total cholesterol -- Category
- Less than 200 mg/dL -- Desirable
- 200-239 mg/dL -- Borderline high
- 240 mg/dL and above High
- Less than 100 mg/dL -- Optimal (below 70 mg/dL for people at very high risk)
- 100-129 mg/dL -- Near optimal/above optimal
- 130-159 mg/dL -- Borderline high
- 160-189 mg/dL -- High
- 190 mg/dL and above -- Very high
- Less than 40 mg/dL -- Low (representing increased risk)
- 60 mg/dL and above -- High (heart-protective)
- Less than 150 mg/dL -- Normal
- 150-199 mg/dL -- Borderline high
- 200-499 mg/dL -- High
- 500 mg/dL and above -- Very high
Helpful? 2 people found this helpfulThe National Cholesterol Education Program has guidelines for total cholesterol levels as well as for low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the "bad" cholesterol), HDL (high-density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol), and triglycerides.Total cholesterol... More -
Dr. Robert S Kaufmann answered:Everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a "lipoprotein profile" to find out your cholesterol numbers. This blood test is done after a 9- to 12-hour fast and gives information about your:- Total cholesterol
- LDL (bad) cholesterol – the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries
- HDL (good) cholesterol – helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries
- Triglycerides– another form of fat in your blood
If it is not possible to get a lipoprotein profile done, knowing your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can give you a general idea about your cholesterol levels. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or more or if your HDL is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to have a lipoprotein profile done.
HDL (good) cholesterol protects against heart disease, so for HDL, higher numbers are better.
A level less than 40 mg/dL is low and is considered a major risk factor because it increases your risk for developing heart disease. HDL levels of 50 mg/dL or more help to lower your risk for heart disease.
The lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, the lower your risk for a heart attack and stroke will be. A LDL level below 100 mg/dL is optimal. Those at high risk should be closer to 70 mg/dL.
Triglycerides can also raise heart disease risk. Levels that are borderline high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL or more) may need treatment in some people.
This answer from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has been reviewed and/or edited by Dr. Robert S. Kaufmann.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulEveryone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a "lipoprotein profile" to find out your cholesterol numbers. This blood test is done after a 9- to 12-hour fast and... More -
American Heart Association answered:High blood cholesterol signals a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. That’s why it’s important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly and discuss them with your doctor. A “lipoprotein profile” is a test to find out your blood cholesterol numbers. It gives information about total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and HDL (“good”) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides (blood fats).
Taking a small blood sample from a finger is one common way that cholesterol levels can be measured.High blood cholesterol signals a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. That’s why it’s important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly and discuss them with your doctor. A “lipoprotein profile” is a test to find... More
