Getting lab work done can be scary, and your anxiety may only increase when you get your results back with no explanation about what they mean. When receiving cholesterol lab work results, look for your levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol, as well as your triglyceride and total cholesterol readings. Work with your doctor to determine your underlying risk for heart disease so you know which target numbers are right for you.
Step 1
Know what numbers to look for. Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter--this determines how much of each type of cholesterol is present in one deciliter. Optimal levels of LDL cholesterol are below 100 mg/dL, and optimal levels of HDL cholesterol are above 60 mg/dL. Triglyceride levels should be less than 150 mg/dL, and total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL.
Step 2
Lower your "lousy" LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, builds up on the walls of your arteries and leads to an increased risk of heart disease. LDL cholesterol is categorized as optimal when the reading is below 100 mg/dL, especially for those at risk of heart disease. It is near or above optimal with a reading between 100 and 129 mg/dL. It is borderline high when the reading is between 130 and 159 mg/dL, and the LDL is high with a reading between 160 and 189 mg/dL. Readings above 190 mg/dL mean your LDL is very high. While LDL readings below 100 mg/dL are considered optimal, your doctor may want your LDL level to be even lower--for example, if you have a history of cardiovascular disease. Beginning an exercise program, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking and alcohol can improve, or lower, LDL levels.
Step 3
Increase your "healthy" HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, helps the heart by removing LDL cholesterol from the arterial walls, decreasing the risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol is categorized as good or the best with a reading above 60 mg/dL, or poor when the reading is less than 40 mg/dL in men and less than 50 mg/dL in women. Exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight and eating nuts, fish and foods rich in unsaturated fats help to raise HDL cholesterol levels.
Step 4
Decrease triglycerides. Triglycerides are the chemical form of the fat we eat in our diet--therefore, the lower this number, the better. Triglycerides are classified as desirable when you receive a reading of less than 150 mg/dL; they are borderline high with a reading from 150 to 199 mg/dL. Triglycerides are high if the reading is 200 to 499 mg/dL, and a reading of more than 500 mg/dL means your levels are very high. High levels of triglycerides contribute to higher rates of coronary artery disease. Avoid alcohol, sugars and diets rich in fat to decrease triglyceride levels.
Step 5
Maintain a healthy total cholesterol score. Total cholesterol is a combination of LDL and HDL cholesterol, along with other lipid scores. Total cholesterol is categorized as being optimal with a reading of less than 200 mg/dL; it is borderline high with a reading between 200 and 239 mg/dL. Total cholesterol is considered high with a reading of more than 240 mg/dL.
