Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol can accumulate over time and form plaques on the inside of the arteries. This decreases blood flow to the heart and leads to heart disease. High cholesterol has no symptoms, so you need to find out your readings through blood cholesterol tests. Doctors normally provide cholesterol tests during routine physical exams. You may wish to schedule a blood cholesterol test with a health care provider, especially if you are at risk for heart disease.
Normal Readings
Cholesterol readings measure in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood, or mg/dL. An ideal or optimal LDL reading results in below 100 mg/dL for people not at risk for heart disease. Levels at 100-129 mg/dL are considered near ideal. Levels that reach 130 or above suggest borderline high readings, the National Cholesterol Education Program explains. LDL levels at 160-189 mg/dL show high cholesterol and readings at 190 mg/dL and above reveal very high cholesterol.
Risk Factors
Although levels at 100-129 mg/dL are fine for healthy people, those at high risk for heart disease should aim for LDL levels below 100 mg/dL. If you have very high risk for heart disease, you need to target levels below 70 mg/dL. High risk factors include having a previous heart attack or stroke and artery blockages in your neck, arms or legs. The very high risk category includes high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of early heart disease, smoking and being over age 45 for men and older than 55 for women. If you have two or more of those risks, you may be at very high risk for heart disease.
Recommendations
Your blood cholesterol test also reveals your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is important to keep a healthy LDL level, but doctors may advise you on ways to keep other levels under control. Your doctor may recommend dietary changes or prescribe medication if you have high LDL cholesterol. Dietary changes include eating a low-fat diet and adding plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains, such as breads, cereal, pasta and oatmeal. Regular exercise promotes weight gain to help lower harmful cholesterol levels.
Preparation
Blood cholesterol tests are performed by taking blood from a vein in the arm. Before taking a scheduled cholesterol test, you will probably be advised not to eat or drink anything for nine to 12 hours before your test. Drinking water is fine, but avoid sodas, coffee and tea. Some medications may affect the results. Let your doctor know what medications you take, but do not stop taking medicine unless you have the doctor's approval.
