Most annual physicals for adults include a blood test, called a lipid panel, to check cholesterol levels. If the results indicate high cholesterol numbers, lifestyle changes may be required to reduce health risks, and if those changes don’t work a lipid-lowering statin drug may be necessary.
Cholesterol Blood Test Results
If your cholesterol numbers aren’t where they should be, your doctor will want to discuss the results of your blood test with you and make recommendations for lifestyle changes. A report of high cholesterol should not be ignored, because maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol in your blood is critical for good health and longevity. Unhealthy cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in your arteries. unhealthy cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in your arteries.
The Four Numbers You Must Understand about Cholesterol
There are four important numbers obtained from a cholesterol blood test, and when discussing cholesterol, it is important to understand that there are “good” and “bad” cholesterol. . The levels reflected below are based on general guidelines and measured in mg/dl:
1. Total cholesterol – This number is determined by applying a formula using LDL, HDL and triglyceride numbers. The optimum level is below 200, borderline high is 200-239, and anything above 240 is considered high.
2. LDL cholesterol – This is considered the “bad” cholesterol as it can build in your arteries, making them hard and narrow. 100 to 129 is considered near ideal, 130-159 borderline high, and above 160 high.
3. HDL cholesterol – This “good” cholesterol mops up excess cholesterol in the blood and delivers it back to your liver. The best level is 60 and above, with anything below 40 for men or 50 for women considered poor.
4. Triglycerides – This represents a certain type of fat in the blood and is essential when assessing cardiovascular risk. Below 150 is best and above 200 is considered high
The combination of your cholesterol levels and your previous medical history will determine whether your doctor feels cholesterol lowering drugs are necessary. If your levels are border-line high and risks low, he may first recommend changes to diet and exercise.
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