You may know that it is important to keep your cholesterol levels in check to help lower your risk for heart disease. However, understanding what cholesterol is and what the test results mean can be confusing. Cholesterol scores can be given in one number known as total cholesterol or you can have a test that separates your score into three categories. Since you can have high cholesterol without having symptoms, it is important to get tested regularly and to know what the scores mean. Your score is given in numbers followed by mg/dl. Your score tells you how many milligrams of cholesterol are present per deciliter of blood.
Step 1
Understand your total cholesterol score. The total cholesterol score combines all three scores (LDL, HDL and triglycerides) into one reading. For best results you should have a fasting lipoprotein profile. However, if this is not possible you can use another test to get a general idea. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, you should go by the following numbers. If your total cholesterol score is less than 200 mg/dL you are considered to be at a healthy level. When your score reaches between 200 to 239 mg/dL your cholesterol level is considered borderline high. When your score reaches 240 mg/dL or more your cholesterol level is diagnosed as high and you are at a higher risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Step 2
Know your LDL results. According to the American Heart Association, your LDL score is the best indicator of your risk for heart disease. An LDL, or low density lipoprotein, score tests your level of "bad" cholesterol. This type of cholesterol tends to build in the body and can cause a hardening of your arteries. A score of less than 100 mg/dL is best. A score between 100 and 129 mg/dL is close to optimal but it would be better to bring it lower. If your score reaches 130 to 159 mg/dL, your level is considered borderline high. A score of 160 to 189 mg/dL is considered high. A very high score is 190 mg/dL or higher.
Step 3
Look for your HDL score. The HDL (high density lipoprotien) score tests your level of "good" cholesterol. Your goal is to bring this number up to help protect yourself from heart disease. The American Heart Association states that "Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL for men, less than 50 mg/dL for women) puts you at higher risk for heart disease." You should try to bring your score to 60 mg/dL or more help to lower your risk.
Step 4
Get your triglyceride numbers. Triglycerides are a form of fat that can raise to dangerous levels and increase your risk for heart disease. You should aim to have a triglyceride score of less then 150 mg/dL. If your score is 150 to 199 mg/dL, you are considered borderline high. A high score falls between 200 and 499 mg/dL. A score of 500 mg/dL is considered very high.
Tips and Warnings
- Having your cholesterol levels tested is the only way to know if it is high. The American Heart Association recommends having your cholesterol checked at least every five years, unless you are at an increased risk. In this case your doctor will test you more frequently.
- If your cholesterol levels test high, talk to your doctor about making lifestyle changes and taking medication to bring your levels to a better level. Having high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
