Millions of Americans are diagnosed with high cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia. Although acute symptoms are typically absent, long-term exposure to high cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease. The treatment of high cholesterol may include lifestyle modifications, dietary restrictions and prescription medications.
Lipid Panel
To determine cholesterol levels, patients are required to provide a sample of blood. A staff member of a clinic or hospital will draw the sample and send it to the laboratory for analysis. A lipid panel is the set of tests ordered to determine the concentration of cholesterol and lipids based on the sample provided. In most cases, patients are asked to fast for eight to 10 hours prior to testing.
Total Cholesterol
As reported on the lipid panel, the total cholesterol value includes all the different types of cholesterol found in the bloodstream. Total cholesterol includes low-density lipoproteins, or LDL; high-density lipoproteins, or HDL; and very low density lipoproteins, or VLDL. Triglycerides fall into the category of very low-density lipoproteins. According to the National Institutes of Health's Adult Treatment Panel 3 (ATP 3) lipid guidelines, optimal total cholesterol levels should fall below 200 mg/dL.
"Bad" Cholesterol
Cholesterol and lipids believed to be harmful to health are often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides have been shown to significantly increase the risk of heart disease. The ATP 3 lipid guidelines state that goal LDL cholesterol is below 100 mg/dL. In addition, the guidelines state that elevated triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dL places patients at increased risk for heart disease.
Cholesterol and the Heart
Low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides at normal levels are an important part of many biological processes. However, excess LDL and triglycerides can accumulate in arteries, forming lipid plaques or clots. Concurrent diseases, such as hypertension, may increase the likelihood of this process by damaging the inner lining of arteries. When arterial narrowing or clots block the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, patients may experience angina or a heart attack. Maintaining LDL and triglyceride at normal levels is an important part of preventing heart disease.
"Good" Cholesterol
Total cholesterol also includes high-density lipoproteins. HDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is believed to be scavenger of lipids in the bloodstream, transporting them back to the liver for elimination. In addition, HDL may also remove lipids from plaques and clots that have started to form in arteries. HDL levels below 40 mg/dL place patients at increased risk for the development of heart disease. Patients with low HDL levels may require therapeutic intervention to raise them higher. Patients should also consult with a physician to discuss the results of a lipid panel and whether treatment is required.
