A cholesterol test lets you know the levels of fats in your blood. This can help you reduce your risk for coronary artery disease, stroke or other cardiovascular disease. The test measures different types of cholesterol and triglycerides. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults over age 20 should get a cholesterol test, or lipid panel, every five years.
Total Cholesterol
"Total cholesterol" is a measure of both cholesterol and triglycerides. Therefore, an elevated total cholesterol reading can be caused by high cholesterol, high triglycerides or both. The optimal level is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) and requires no intervention, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Borderline elevated levels are between 200 and 239 mg/dL, and levels greater than 240 mg/dL indicate a higher risk for coronary artery disease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are released into the bloodstream in various ways--consumption of foods high in saturated fat, release from fat cells in between meals and consumption of alcohol. Optimal levels are less than 150 mg/dL, the institute says. Borderline elevated levels are between 150 and 199 mg/dL. Levels greater than 200 mg/dL are associated with a higher risk for coronary artery disease. Triglyceride levels will be elevated immediately after eating or drinking alcohol, so an accurate assessment can only be made after eight to 12 hours of fasting.
LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad cholesterol," allows for the transport of cholesterol and triglycerides within the bloodstream. Elevated levels of LDL can lead to deposits in artery walls, increasing the risk for atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD). When assessing LDL levels, you must take into account other risk factors, including existing vascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, family history and age. Those at high risk should maintain LDL levels of less than 100 mg/dL but should aim for levels less than 70 mg/dL, the institute says. Those at moderate risk should have a level below 130 mg/dL, and those at low risk, who have less than two risk factors for CAD, can maintain LDL levels below 160 mg/dL.
HDL Cholesterol
High density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good cholesterol," is responsible for removing cholesterol and triglycerides from the arterial walls to be recycled within the liver. Thus, HDL plays a protective role in reducing risk for major vascular events. HDL levels below 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL for women are associated with higher rates of disease. Optimal levels of HDL are greater than 60 mg/dL and are associated with lower rates of stroke and heart disease.
Conclusion
Interpreting your cholesterol numbers to assess risk for cardiovascular disease can be a daunting task. However, it is important to take your lifestyle and other risk factors into account when setting goals to reduce your risk. Consult your doctor for a more thorough risk assessment.
References
- American Heart Association: How to Get Your Cholesterol Tested
- Access Medicine; "Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry;" RK Murray, et al.; 2009.
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol
- NIH: Implications of Recent Clinical Trials for the National Cholesterol Education Program; Scott M. Grundy et al.; 2004
