Are You Puzzled About Cholesterol Readings?
Do you understand what your cholesterol readings mean? Or do you feel as if you're back in math class trying to sort out an algebra problem? If you're puzzled by your cholesterol readings, you're not alone. Many patients report a frustration about trying to make the connection between the numbers and the medical significance to their lives. But rest assured, within a few minutes, these cholesterol readings will make more sense.
Key Terms
Before we look at the actual cholesterol readings, we need to define several key terms. Let's start with "cholesterol", which means a blood lipid or fat that is associated with heart disease. "High density lipoprotein", also known as HDL, is often called good cholesterol because it actually helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood vessels.
"LDL" is called bad cholesterol and is the one that needs to be kept at lower levels since this is the one that raises the risk of heart disease. "Triglycerides" are a form of fats in the blood but the level of these lipids varies depending on when the patient has last eaten. Normally, triglycerides are measured after the patient has fasted for twelve hours. The "cholesterol/HDL ratio" is a number derived by dividing the total cholesterol level by the HDL level with the optimal results being a low ratio.
Ready To Read
Since the key terms are defined, we're ready to look at some actual numbers. When you see your test report, you will notice that your cholesterol level is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood, mg/dL. A total blood cholesterol reading below 200 mg/dL means that you have a relatively lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. That's great news, but it's still to your advantage to eat a healthy diet and stay on an exercise program.
If your cholesterol reading is between 200- 239 mg/dL this means you're borderline, or on your way to developing heart disease. At this point your doctor will carefully evaluate your LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels to determine if the LDL is balanced with the HDL. If it is, that's great; if not, the doctor may suggest dietary changes or an exercise and weight loss program. If the cholesterol reading is 240 mg/dL or above, you would be considered high risk, which means you have double the chances of developing coronary heart disease. Once again, your doctor will carefully evaluate the relationship between your LDL, HDL and triglycerides and then most likely will prescribe medication to get these cholesterol readings to a more desirable level.
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