Cholesterol test results are used to help predict the development of cardiovascular disease and to determine the types of treatment required to prevent the occurrence of heart attacks and stroke. Absolute values, the numbers listed on the lab report, tell an important, but incomplete story, as seventy five percent of all heart attacks happen to people with cholesterol values within acceptable limits, according to the website UCLA Newsroom.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is the sum of HDL and LDL levels and is used, in conjunction with various other parameters, such as genetics and lifestyle, as a guideline for determining when and how much treatment is necessary to prevent the development of cardiovascular disease. Previously, the value for total cholesterol was given much more significance than currently. However, the American Heart Association continues to recommend keeping total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL.
HDL
High density lipoprotein, or HDL, has the job of removing excess LDL from the blood and carrying it to the liver, where it is converted into bile salts. With HDL levels, higher is better, and anything over 55 mg/dL is considered protective. One of the best ways to elevate HDL is through exercise. Avoidance of trans fats and addition of fish oils will also elevate HDL, according to Optimal Heart Health.
LDL
Low density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as "bad" cholesterol for its involvement in arterial plaque formation. LDL is a category comprised of particles of varying sizes and smaller LDL particles are the culprits in initiating atherosclerosis. These LDL molecules are able to penetrate the spaces between cells lining the artery walls, where they attract white blood cells, leading to blockages, as well as an inflammatory immune response according to the American Heart Association. According to ExRx, LDL levels are best kept below 100mg/dl.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a group of lipids present in blood, as well as naturally occurring in certain foods. Triglycerides are associated with elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and The American Heart Association recommends maintaining triglycerides under 150 mg/dL. Levels in the blood are indicative of recent fat consumption, but also, as studies are showing, these lipids are elevated by carbohydrate consumption, particularly highly processed carbohydrates. Researcher, Dr. Ronald M. Krauss of Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute in Oakland, California, reported the results of his study revealing that triglyceride levels in participants on a low carbohydrate diet had significant reductions on their triglyceride levels.
Ratios
Cholesterol ratios take into consideration the relative amounts HDL and LDL cholesterol. This helps to factor in the beneficial effects of HDL, which offsets risk for cardiovascular disease. Commonly measured ratios are total cholesterol to HDL and LDL to HDL. Total cholesterol to HDL should be less than 5.0:1.0, and LDL to HDL should be below 3.5:1.0
