Your Cholesterol
Level
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Knowing Your
Cholesterol Level
Even though obese people are more likely to have a high cholesterol level, anybody can
have a high cholesterol level reading.
Women are less likely however, because of certain
reproductive hormones. But these hormones are reduced after
menopause, and an elevated cholesterol becomes more likely.
Most people assume they have a normal cholesterol level
until they get to middle age. But actually, recent evidence
seems to indicate that the atherosclerosis begins in childhood
itself. Atherosclerosis is the clogging, narrowing, and
hardening of the body's large arteries and medium-sized blood
vessels
So, regular checkup every 5 years beginning childhood is
advised to make sure the child has a good cholesterol level. If
the condition runs in family genetics, lack of regular
activities, poor diet control all increase the susceptibility
to heart problems.
Cholesterol Level Tests
The American Heart Association recommends a test called a
complete fasting lipoprotein profile. Lipoproteins are
compounds that transport fats and fat-like substances like
cholesterol in the blood
It includes:
- Total blood cholesterol level
- HDL cholesterol
level (high density lipoproteins, also known as
"good" cholesterol)
- LDL cholesterol
level (low density lipoproteins, known as "bad"
cholesterol)
- Serum triglyceride level
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What You Should Know About the Lipoprotein Profile
Here are the basics of a cholesterol test, or lipoprotein
profile.
Strict fasting for 9-12 hours without food, water or
medicines.
Test reports are expressed with the unit of cholesterol
level in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl).
Along with the readings obtained, it is necessary to
consider other risk factors like heredity, smoking, alcoholism,
high blood pressure, age, diabetes, obesity, menopause etc.
Doctors will look for the following in interpreting the
test:
1. Total blood cholesterol level:
a. Less than 200 mg/dl equals a low risk.
b. 200-239 mg/dl represents a borderline risk.
c. 240 mg/dl and above represents a high risk.
2. HDL cholesterol level (in this test, higher numbers are
better)
a. In men 40-50 mg/dl: average risk.
b. In women 50-60 mg/dl: average risk.
c. In women 60 mg/dl or above: low risk.
3. LDL cholesterol level:
a. Less than 100 mg/dl: Normal.
b. 100-129 mg/dl: almost optimal.
c. 130-159 mg/dl: borderline.
d. 160-189 mg/dl: high.
e. 190 mg/dl & above: very high.
4. Serum triglyceride level:
a. Less than 150 mg/dl: optimal.
b. 150-199 mg/dl: borderline.
c. 200-499 mg/dl: high.
d. 500 mg/dl: very high.
This monitoring shows you how vulnerable your heart is. If
these tests are done in laboratory, confirm the reputation of
the lab.
There are several home
testing devices available in the market that enable
you to check cholesterol level frequently in privacy. If you
use a home testing device, make sure about the accuracy of the
tests and always discuss a prevention or treatment
plan with your doctor.
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Learn More About Cholesterol Levels
This
downloadable electronic book covers additional not
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important topics like the dangers of high cholesterol, how
to lower cholesterol, and keeping your cholesterol levels
in a healthy range. 24 pages.
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