Things You'll Need:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL (bad) cholesterol
- HDL (good) cholesterol
- Triglycerides
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Step 1
Your cholesterol is diagnosed by checking the levels of cholesterol in your blood. This test is called a Lipoprotein profile. Usually you will be asked to fast for 9 to 12 hours prior to the test. The Lipoprotein profile will give your health care provider information about the 4 areas listed below.
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Step 2
Your total cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg/dl. 200-239 is borderline high. 240 and above is high. 100-129 is near optimal.
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Step 3
Your LDL or bad cholesterol is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries and should be less than 100 mg/dl. 100-129 is optimal, 130-159 is borderline high, 160-189 is high and 190 and above is very high.
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Step 4
HDL or good cholesterol helps keep cholesterol from building up in your arteries. HDL levels should be less than 40 mg/dl. This number being above 40 is a major risk factor for heart disease. The higher this number is the better off you are. If your HDL is 60 and above you are considered to be protected against heart disease.
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Step 5
Triglycerides are another form of fat in your blood and can raise your risks for heart disease. If your levels are 150-199, your level is considered to be borderline high. If they are above 200, you may need treatment.
Comments
jswana said
on 9/19/2009 Very good information on how cholesterol is checked. Thanks for sharing. jswana 5* and a rec.
starlet67 said
on 5/30/2009 Great points and nice pics!5*
MariM said
on 5/26/2009 Good tips on understanding cholesterol.5*
ianto said
on 5/13/2009 great article very informative. 5* and recommend
sonni57 said
on 5/12/2009 Thanks for the good info on understanding our cholesterol level.