Knowing your cholesterol level is a valuable tool for taking care of yourself. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that adults over 20 should have a fasting cholesterol profile every 5 years. The AHA also recommends that adults keep their LDL (bad) cholesterol at 100 or below, so your doctor may advise you to lower your LDL if it is over 100. Your doctor will tell you the LDL level she would like you to have as a goal to work towards. Sometimes, it helps to know the percent reduction you need in your LDL to help you reach your goal.
Step 1
Subtract your goal LDL from your blood test LDL value. For example, if your LDL is 130 and your doctor wants you to get to 100, then 130 - 100 = 30.
Step 2
Divide the result from step one by your blood test LDL value. For example, 30 ÷ 130 = 0.23.
Step 3
Multiply the result from step 2 by 100. For example, 0.23 --- 100 = 23. This means that you need to reduce your LDL cholesterol by 23%.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask your doctor for advice to help you reduce your LDL cholesterol. Since other parts of your lipid profile are important too, ask your doctor about your HDL and triglyceride levels and your LDL/HDL ratio.
- Talk to your doctor before you start any new diet or exercise program.
Things You'll Need
- Calculator
- Pencil and paper
- Fasting blood test results with LDL level
References
- American Heart Association: How to Get your Cholesterol Tested
- American Heart Association: What your Cholesterol Levels Mean
- Thompson GR, Hollyer J, Waters DD. Percentage change rather than plasma level of LDL-cholesterol determines therapeutic response in coronary heart disease. Current Opinion in Lipidology. 1995 Dec;6(6):386-8.
