Cholesterol is a waxy-like substance present in the fats in your blood. Although your body needs cholesterol for a variety of functions, too much can cause deposits that impede the flow of blood through your arteries. A simple blood test can determine your cholesterol levels, and whether or not they are in a healthy range.
Background
HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is your "good" cholesterol. It removes cholesterol from your artery walls and takes it to the liver for removal. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is your "bad" cholesterol. LDL transports about 75 percent of your cholesterol to your body's cells and normally causes no harm. However, oxidation of LDL, a common process in your body, may damage the walls of your arteries and cause inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Test Preparation
If you're getting your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels tested, your doctor may tell you not to eat or drink anything nine to 12 hours before your blood test, according to MedlinePlus. You may also be advised to stop taking certain drugs before taking this test.
Test
A blood sample can determine your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels. A health care provider cleans either the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand with a germ-killing medicine, antiseptic. After placing an elastic band on your upper arm, he inserts a needle into your vein, and your blood is collected into a vial or tube. Because it's difficult to measure just LDL levels, LDL levels are most often calculated using HDL and total cholesterol levels, MedlinePlus says.
HDL Results
The best result for HDL levels is anything 60mg/dL and above. Anything below 40mg/dL for men or 50mg/dL for women is a poor result and increases your risk of heart disease.
LDL Results
According to the Mayo Clinic, an LDL cholesterol result below 70mg/dL is best for people at a high risk for heart disease. If you just have some risk for heart disease, anything below 100mg/dL is best. Levels from 100mg/dL to 129 mg/dL are near ideal for the regular population; 130mg/dL to 159 mg/dL is borderline high, and 160mg/dL to 189 mg/dL is high. Anything at 190mg/dL or above is very high.
