As you get older, you should have your cholesterol levels tested every few years with a blood test called a “lipid profile.” This test will generate a report of the levels of several kinds of lipids in the blood, and the report will give values for each of these. Unfortunately, many patients do not know what the numbers mean. Normally, your doctor should walk through the results with you and discuss what it means, but it’s probably a good idea to get a general sense of what to expect so that the doctor’s information can be more useful to you.
The test will usually center around four values: Total Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, and Triglycerides. The values for each of these measure the milligrams present per deciliter of blood. This is done so that the numbers fall within a recognizable range and are therefore easier to interpret.
Total Cholesterol
This number is calculated based on the total LDL and HDL numbers plus twenty percent of the triglyceride number. This number is usually the number the doctor will use to determine how to treat any issues you may have with cholesterol or the cardiovascular system.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol is what is known as “bad” cholesterol, as it can build up on the walls of your blood vessels and lead to heart disease. A level above 190 is very high and will generally require lifestyle changes or medication. However, even if the number is lower, your doctor may want to try and reduce it, just in case.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol is “good” cholesterol, and we generally want this number to be higher. HDL Cholesterol helps prevent the buildup of LDL Cholesterol by removing it from the body, so more is better as a preventative.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another kind of fat that is found in the blood stream, and high levels of have been linked to various kinds of heart disease. Like LDL Cholesterol, this number should be kept low. Anything below 150 is considered normal, and above 150 is high. Very high levels of about 500 or higher can indicate a severe risk.
Remember that although there are trends in the numbers, most people will vary somewhat within the range. This means that your doctor will be the best person to interpret the results based on his knowledge of your history and circumstances. Many times cholesterol numbers can be made healthy through lifestyle choices like diet and exercise, but sometimes medication is necessary. If you’re 35 or older, be sure to contact your doctor to have a lipid panel.
At Internal Medcine, Lipids, and Wellness Practice of Fort Myers, we specialize in whole health, including problems and treatments that arise from cholesterol. Be sure to contact us: (239) 362-3005 (ext. 200).
