When you get your cholesterol checked, do you really know what the doctor is talking about when she delivers your results? This guide will walk you through the nitty-gritty of cholesterol tests so you can be a better informed patient.
A cholesterol test is a simple blood test to check the level of your cholesterol in your blood. It is typically measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). There are three types of cholesterol tests:
- Total cholesterol:This test simply determines if your cholesterol is high or low. You do not have to fast for this test.
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Lipoprotein analysis, or lipid panel:This test is more in-depth and requires that you fast for 9 to 12 hours before having your blood drawn. A lipid panel not only measures your total cholesterol, but also
- LDL (low density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol
- HDL (high density lipoprotein) or “good” cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- LDL test:This test measures only your LDL and does not require fasting.
Total Cholesterol Levels
- Ideal = below 200 mg/dL
- Borderline = 200 to 239
- High = 240 or greater
If you have a total cholesterol test and the results are high, your doctor will likely order a lipoprotein analysis to determine whether you need treatment.
LDL Cholesterol Levels
The lower your level of LDL cholesterol, the better. LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad” type of cholesterol because it carries mostly fat from the liver to other parts of the body. High levels of LDL increase your risk for heart disease because it can cause atherosclerosis, a build of plaque inside the arteries that causes the arteries to narrow and restrict blood flow.
- Ideal = below 100 mg/dL
- Good = 100 to 129
- Borderline = 130 to 159
- High = 160 to 189
- Very High = 190 or greater
HDL Cholesterol Levels
In the case of HDL cholesterol, the higher it is, the better. HDL cholesterol is considered the “good” type of cholesterol because it is primarily made up of protein and helps prevent cholesterol from forming plaque in the arteries.
- Ideal = 60 mg/dL or greater
- Good = 40 to 59
- Low = below 40
Triglyceride Levels
When it comes to triglycerides, the lower your level, the better. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the blood and a primary source of energy for your body. A normal amount of triglycerides is actually very beneficial. But whatever calories your body doesn’t use for energy gets converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. If these fat reserves are never used as energy and instead build up in the blood, they can increase your risk for developing heart disease as well as Type 2 diabetes.
- Ideal = below 150 mg/dL
- Borderline = 150 to 199
- High = 200 to 499
- Very High = 500 or greater
Who Should Get Tested?
According to the American Heart Association, everyone over the age of 20 should get a lipid panel to measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you are at a higher risk for heart disease due to your lifestyle or family history, it is especially important you get tested on a regular basis.
Treatment for High Cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol or triglycerides, the first line of treatment should include making changes to your diet (for starters, decrease the amount of saturated fat you eat) and exercising more. If you do not make any lifestyle changes, or they do not adequately decrease your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, your doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication.
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