According to MayoClinic.com, cholesterol is a waxy substance composed of fat that
that is found in your bloodstream. Healthy levels of cholesterol are important in helping your body build healthy cells and they are important in cellular chemical reactions. However, too much cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke and other vascular diseases. Therefore, you should know how to count cholesterol so you can better manage it.
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with your doctor and ask for a cholesterol screening test. To
receive the most accurate results, you should not eat or drink anything for nine to twelve
hours before the test.
Step 2
Determine your total cholesterol value from your test results. According to Medline Plus, the desirable range is a cholesterol level less than 200 mg/dl. If your cholesterol is over 240 mg/dl, you are considered to be at a high risk for vascular disease.
Step 3
Assess your LDL, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Your LDL cholesterol level is important because LDL levels greater than 130 mg/dl are known to increase the risk of developing vascular disease. Your LDL cholesterol is part of your total cholesterol level.
Step 4
Ask your doctor about your HDL, or high-density lipoprotein level. HDL cholesterol helps reduce your LDL cholesterol level and decreases your risk for vascular disease. Therefore, an HDL level greater than 40 mg/dl is considered to be beneficial.
Tips and Warnings
- Have your cholesterol checked every five years.
