Know your cholesterol number
High cholesterol level is a silent disease that offers no early warning. Most people first discover the problem during a routine physical exam with a blood test. Everyone aged 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once in every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a lipid profile to find out your cholesterol numbers. This blood test is done after a 9 to12-hour fast and shows the following outcome: Total cholesterol LDL (bad) cholesterol- it is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries. HDL (good) cholesterol- it helps to keep cholesterol store in liver and prevent from building up in the arteries. Triglycerides (TG) - another form of fat in our blood. If your Total Cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or more or if your HDL(Good Cholestrol) is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to have a lipoprotein profile done. See how your cholesterol numbers compare to the tables below. Total cholesterol Level — Less than 200 mg/dL is desireable 200-239 mg/dL is treated as borderline high; and 240 mg/dL and above are cosidered high. On the other hand — LDL(Bad) Cholesterol Level - LDL-Cholesterol Category Less than 100 mg/dL - Optimal 100-129 mg/dL - Near optimal/above optimal 130-159 mg/dL - Borderline high 160-189 mg/dL - High 190 mg/dL and above - Very high HDL (good) cholesterol protects against heart disease, so for HDL, higher numbers are better. A level less than 40 mg/dL is low and is considered a major risk factor because it increases your threat for developing heart disease. HDL (good cholesterol) levels of 60 mg/dL or more help to lower your risk for heart disease. Triglycerides can also raise heart disease risk. Levels that are borderline high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL or more) may need treatment.
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