How to Read Cholesterol Levels

If you have not been tested your cholesterol level, it will be a good idea to include this check in your next visit to your doctor. It is a simple blood test. Understand your cholesterol level periodically. there is certainly benefit to your overall health. The cholesterol level test result consists of your total cholesterol level, triglycerides, high density and low density lipoprotein cholesterol level. This will give your doctor an overall picture of your health.

The best total cholesterol reading is 200 mg/dl with a limit between 200 mg/dl to 239 mg/dl. Medical experts predict you are at risk of having heart disease if you have a total of 240mg/dl above cholesterol readings.

LDL Cholesterol

Low density lipoprotein is known as bad cholesterol. If you have high levels of bad cholesterol, it can cause cholesterol deposits in the walls of your blood which increase the risk of possible heart disease. The desirable LDL cholesterol level is below 100 mg/dl. The borderline limit of LDL is between 200-240 mg/dl. A dangerous level is considered to be 240 mg/dl or above.

HDL Cholesterol

Good cholesterol is the high density lipoprotein. High density lipoprotein cleanses excess cholesterol from tissues to the liver. The liver then breaks it down and it becomes part of the bile for removal. A recommended HDL level is 40 mg/dl. You must try to keep your HDL level within 40 mg/dl to 45 mg/dl. Also keep in mind that it should never dip below 40 mg/dl. A level above 60 mg/dl protects the heart and helps improve brain functions because it protects the blood vessels.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat. It collects in the body as fat and then flows into the blood stream. Most fats in our diet are triglycerides. Triglycerides contribute to heart disease. In high dosages, it thickens the blood and may cause a heart attack or stroke due to clotting of the blood. The recommended triglyceride level is 150 mg/dl below with a limit of 150 mg/dl to 199 mg/dl. Level exceeds 200 mg/dl considered as high level which risk of heart disease increases.

Keep in mind when reading your cholesterol level, there are no ideal readings. Ideal readings are different for everyone. It depends on the individual’s risk factor or genetic predisposition due to family history, sex, overall health condition and age.

Though medical professionals recommend if you have a total reading of over 240 mg/dl, it is an indication for you to examine your health status and lifestyle. Having a high cholesterol level certainly is not a good sign to your health, particularly it increases the risk of heart disease.

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