Cholesterol is a waxy substance that's found in all of your cells and has several useful functions, including helping to build your body's cells, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lipoproteins are the proteins in the bloodstream that carry cholesterol. The two types are low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, and high-density lipoproteins, or HDL. To find the best way to test your cholesterol, numbers speak with you doctor.
Change Lipoprotein Totals
LDLs cannot be calculated with HDLs and total cholesterol is because it would change the lipoprotein totals. It is important to separate the calculation of LDL and HDL levels separately because these lipoproteins affect your heart in numerous different ways. LDL levels can determine your heart disease and stroke risk. Deposits of LDL cholesterol particles within the vessel walls are called plaques, according to the American Heart Association. LDL levels must be determined separately to determine the risk of these plaques narrowing the heart vessels to the point of blocking blood flow, causing coronary artery disease. Ideally, you want your LDL levels to be below 100 mg/dL.
Affect Cholesterol Ratios
Cholesterol ratios are often referred to as the cardiac risk ratio, and anything over 7-to-1 is considered to be potentially dangerous, states Today's Women and Health. LDL levels cannot be added into HDL and total cholesterol readings because to find your cholesterol ratio, you divide the number of your total cholesterol level by your HDL, which would be impossible if LDLs were added into this equation. Ideally, you want your ratio to be between 3-to-1 and 5-to-1.
Change HDL Readings
HDL cholesterol is known as good cholesterol because high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attack, according to the American Heart Association. Doctors will want to know only your HDL level to determine this protection level for your heart. This cannot be calculated if LDLs are added into the HDL and total cholesterol count. The ADA says that ideally you will want to keep your HDL levels above 60 mg/dL.
