Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is an important part of your body's overall health. However, high levels of certain types of cholesterol can have a detrimental effect on your heart. Understanding cholesterol and the risk factors associated with certain levels can help you take control of your health. Talk to your doctor about your potential for heart disease and the risk factors associated with high cholesterol and triglycerides.
Effects of High Cholesterol
While there is no real way to tell if you have high cholesterol without analyzing your blood, certain conditions are often linked to hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol. Cholesterol and triglycerides can cause deposits to build up in your arteries, making it more difficult for blood to pass through. Blocks in blood flow can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular disorders. If you have had any of these conditions, your doctor has likely tested your cholesterol level. If you have family members who have had a heart attack or stroke, it may be beneficial to have your cholesterol levels checked.
Markers to Test
There are a variety of tests for cholesterol levels, although they all involve a blood sample. According to MayoClinic.com, it is important to get an evaluation of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels. Although triglycerides do not receive as much publicity as cholesterol, it is an extremely important factor when it comes to heart health. Triglycerides are a type of lipid, or fat, found in your blood that can contribute to heart attacks and heart disease. LDL, or low density lipoprotein, is considered "bad" cholesterol, while HDL, or high density lipoprotein, is thought of as "good" cholesterol. LDL can lead to plaque build-up in your arteries; conversely HDL can remove cholesterol build-up. Your doctor will look at the amount of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and the ratio of LDL to HDL to determine your risks for heart disease.
Total Cholesterol Results
According to MayoClinic.com, certain levels of total cholesterol are considered healthy and unhealthy. In the United States, levels below 200 mg/dL decreases your risk for heart disease. If you live in Canada or Europe, measurement units are different; as opposed to the mg/dL used in the Umited States, in Europe and Canada cholesterol and triglycerides are measured in mmol/L. Below 5.2 mmol/L is considered low total cholesterol in these countries. Borderline high levels are considered between 200 and 239 mg/dL and 5.2 to 6.2 mmol/L, while levels above 240 mg/dL and 6.2 mmol/L are considered high levels of total cholesterol.
LDL Test Results
As the "bad" cholesterol of the bunch, LDL levels can vary depending on your underlying risk for heart disease. In general, it is important that you have lower LDL levels than HDL. According to Mayoclinic.com, the ideal amounts of LDL are 100 to 129 mg/dL or lower in the United States and 2.6 to 3.3 mmol/L or lower in Europe and Canada. However, if you have high risk for heart disease, you should aim for below 70 mg/dL or 1.8 mmol/L. If you have moderate or other risks for heart disease, LDL below 100 mg/dL or 2.6 mmol/L is recommended.
HDL Test Results
HDL is the only type of cholesterol where higher levels are recommended. According to MayoClinic.com, the best levels will be above 60 mg/dL in the United States and 1.5 mmol/L in Canada and Europe. Below 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL in women is considered poor for the United States. Likewise, lower than 1 mmol/L for men and 1.3 mmol/L for women is poor in Canada and Europe.
Triglyceride Test Results
When it comes to triglycerides, less is better. MayoClinic.com recommends having levels below 150 mg/dL or 1.7 mmol/L. Levels between 150 and 199 mg/dL, or 1.7 to 2.2 mmol/L, are considered borderline high. Any numbers above these values are considered high or very high.
