To test your cholesterol levels, your doctor will take a blood test called a lipid panel, or lipid profile. You should not eat or drink any liquids, aside from water, for nine to 12 hours before the test for accurate test results. A lipid panel tests four separate levels: total blood cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Total Blood Cholesterol Level
Total blood, or serum, cholesterol level is rated based on the risk of coronary heart disease each level of cholesterol causes. In America, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. A reading of less than 200 mg/dL is desirable. A level between 200 and 239 mg/dL is in the borderline high risk category, and your doctor may work with you to establish a prevention plan. Over 240 mg/dL is the high-risk category, and you will need to work on a treatment plan with your doctor. People in this category typically have twice as high a risk of coronary heart disease as those in the desirable category.
HDL Cholesterol Level
HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol is commonly called the good cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps keep your blood flowing freely and arteries open by carrying away LDL, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Because of this benefit, a higher number is better for HDL cholesterol. Levels under 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women are considered to be low, putting you at risk of coronary heart disease. Average HDL cholesterol levels are between 40 to 50 mg/dL in men and 50 to 60 mg/dL in women. An HDL cholesterol level above 60 mg/dL provides some protection against heart disease.
LDL Cholesterol Level
LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol is commonly referred to as the bad cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol cause fatty deposits to build up on the arteries, decreasing blood flow and increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. LDL cholesterol is the best indicator of heart attack risk. The lower your level of LDL cholesterol is, the better. A level of less than 100 mg/dL is optimal, 100 to 129 mg/dL is near optimal, 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high, 160 to 189 mg/dL is high and over 190 mg/dL is very high. If you are at very high risk of heart attack, an LDL cholesterol level of under 70 mg/dL is recommended.
Triglyceride Level
Triglycerides are a form of fat that comes from the food you eat. Any consumed calories the body doesn't need are turned into triglycerides and the body then stores them as fat. Triglyceride levels are often high in people who are overweight, have limited physical activity, eat a diet very high in carbohydrates, smoke or consume excess amounts of alcohol. The desirable amount of triglycerides is less than 150 mg/dL, 150 to 199 mg/dL is the borderline level, 200 to 499 mg/dL is considered high and anything above 500 mg/dL is very high.
