Cholesterol is a necessary substance found in every cell, but excess blood cholesterol increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. The body produces cholesterol, but some is introduced into the body via food that is eaten. The American Heart Association recommends that all women have a cholesterol test every five years beginning at age 20. Those with elevated cholesterol levels need more frequent testing.
Testing Procedure
In a cholesterol test, a finger stick blood sample or a larger blood sample is obtained from a vein. If a finger stick test shows an elevated cholesterol level, the physician often orders a second test with blood drawn from a vein for confirmation. Women are usually instructed to fast either all night or for 9 to 12 hours prior to the test -- that is, abstain from food and drink.
Total Cholesterol Level
According to the American Heart Association, a normal total blood cholesterol level for a woman is below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A level of 200 mg/dL to 239 mg/dL is considered borderline high, while a level of 240 mg/dL or more is considered high.
HDL and LDL Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol testing frequently includes values for two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol. A normal HDL level for a woman is 50 to 59 mg/dL; a level of 60 mg/dL is considered beneficial, and a level below 50 mg/dL is abnormal. An optimal LDL for a healthy woman is below 100 mg/dL, while a woman with heart disease should aim for 70 mg/dL or less. An LDL of 100 mg/dL to 129 mg/dL is acceptable, while a level of 130 mg/dL or higher is abnormal.
What the Numbers Mean
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-sixth of Americans adults have an elevated total cholesterol level. High HDL levels help protect you from heart disease while elevated LDL levels increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Your age and health conditions may alter your optimal cholesterol levels; your physician can instruct you on your individual cholesterol goals.
How to Achieve Normal Levels
If your cholesterol levels are out of the normal range, your physician may attempt to control them with dietary changes, such as eating less trans fat and saturated fat. You may also be asked to exercise regularly, lose weight, limit alcohol use or stop smoking. Medication may be required if your levels remain abnormal despite diet and lifestyle changes.
