Your cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Cholesterol levels are used to determine if you are at risk for heart disease and aside from it, your physician will also do a background check to determine other factors like your age, history of smoking, family history, and if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure.
A blood test is used to check your lipid profile or your cholesterol levels which will show the following:
* Total blood (Serum) cholesterol level
* HDL cholesterol level
* LDL cholesterol level
* Triglyceride level
Total Blood (Serum) Cholesterol Level
Desirable: less than 200 mg/dL
A total blood cholesterol level less than 200 mg/dL indicates that you are at low risk of developing coronary heart disease provided that your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels are also within healthy range. A desirable level of serum cholesterol doesn’t mean that you won’t develop heart problems; this only means that you are at low risk that’s why doctors still encourage their patients to have a proper diet, do regular exercises, and avoid smoking tobacco. A routine check-up of your cholesterol levels should be done every five years.
Borderline- High Risk: 200- 239 mg/dL
A total cholesterol level between 200 and 239 mg/dL usually indicates that your HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels are not within normal range. With results like these, doctors plan with their clients about changes in their lifestyle, diet, exercise, and avoiding smoke from tobacco. Medications are sometimes given depending on your LDL levels. Check-ups should be consulted with your physician.
High Risk: over 240 mg/dL
Cholesterol levels of over 240 mg/dL indicate that the risk for coronary heart disease is very high. With levels like these, cholesterol- regulating drugs are usually given by doctors to help regulate the cholesterol production of their patients and advise strict compliance to the therapeutic regimen. A healthy lifestyle, proper diet, enough exercise, and avoidance of tobacco smoke are also encouraged.
HDL Cholesterol Level
The higher the HDL cholesterol the lesser is the risk for heart diseases. Less than 40 mg/dL for men, and below 50 mg/dL for women puts them at higher risk while levels ranging from 50- 60 mg/dL is considered healthy for men and a range of 50 to 60 mg/dL for advisable for women.
LDL Cholesterol Level
A low LDL level is a good sign because it indicates a lower risk for heart problems. LDL levels are better indicators for heart diseases than total blood cholesterol levels.
* less than 100 mg/dL Ideal level
* 100- 129 mg/dL Near ideal or optimal level
* 130- 159 mg/dL Borderline High
* 160- 189 mg/dL High
* 190 mg/dL and above Very high
Triglyceride Level
*Normal: below 150 mg/dL
*Borderline- High: 150 to 199 mg/dL
*High: 200 to 499 mg/dL
*Very High: 500 mg/dL
Triglyceride levels are affected by excess fats, too much alcohol consumption, inactivity, a diet with high carbohydrate content, and smoking cigarettes. Genetics and the type of lifestyle are also other factors that can be related to high triglyceride levels.
Lowering triglyceride levels might include a change in lifestyle, a healthy diet, exercise, limit of alcohol intake, and avoiding tobacco smoke.