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 level 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 
   

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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