To give an overall view of your cholesterol health, tests usually measure several different cholesterol values. This overview, called a lipoprotein profile, helps indicate your risk for conditions related to high cholesterol, such as heart disease and stroke. Sometimes, labs determine a ratio value in cholesterol blood testing, an additional tool to analyze your cholesterol health.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance necessary for a normal functioning body. It plays a role in hormone production and cell function. When cholesterol levels become too high, your blood vessels can narrow and harden. Blood flow can become impeded, and plaques and clots can form in your vessels. When this happens, there's an increased risk for heart disease.
Cholesterol Profile
In a lipoprotein profile, four values are usually measured -- HDL, LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Total cholesterol gives overall cholesterol values, while HDL and LDL indicate two specific types of cholesterol. Cholesterol is packaged and carried through the body in different ways. With LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol is delivered throughout the body. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, alternatively, helps remove cholesterol from the body. Triglycerides are a type of fat often associated with high cholesterol. Ideal ranges are below 200 mg/dL for total cholesterol;130 mg/dL or below for LDL; below 150 mg/dL for triglycerides; and 60 mg/dL and above for HDL.
Ratio
Blood lab results give absolute numbers for HDL, LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides and indicate if they are high, low or within normal range. Some labs will also provide a ratio of total cholesterol to HDL, derived by dividing total cholesterol by the HDL value. For example, a total cholesterol level of 300 mg/dL would be divided by a HDL level of 50 to give a ratio value of 6:1. Ratios should be less than 5:1, but optimally at 3.5:1. The American Heart Association recommends only analyzing absolute cholesterol numbers, however, and places less importance on ratios.
Cholesterol and Diet
If your ratio value or absolute cholesterol numbers are a concern, your doctor will usually recommend diet changes. Reducing cholesterol and saturated fats in your diet is key. Cholesterol is found mostly in meat and dairy products, particularly organ meats and eggs. Shrimp is high in cholesterol, and amounts should be limited. Choosing lean cuts of meat, seafood and skinless poultry is recommended. A diet high in fiber is also recommended for lowering cholesterol, and is found in foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
