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Treatment. Lifestyle changes such as exercising and eating a healthy diet are the first line of defense against high cholesterol. But, if you've made these important lifestyle changes and your cholesterol levels remain high, your doctor might recommend medication.
What is the treatment for high cholesterol?
Cholesterol test facts Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is an important part of normal body function. Cholesterol has two main types: HDL, or good cholesterol, that protects against heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease; and LD, or bad, cholesterol, which increases the risk of these conditions.
What is cholesterol and what does it do?
Cholesterol Test 1 Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fat that the body needs... 2 Cholesterol tests are blood tests that measure the amount... 3 For the best and most accurate results,... 4 It usually takes a day...
What is a cholesterol test?
HDL (high density lipoprotein) is considered the "good" cholesterol because it may help decrease the cholesterol buildup in the walls of arteries that causes narrowing of their openings. Less than 40 mg/dL (men), less than 50 mg/dL (women): increased risk of heart disease
What is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol?
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What level of cholesterol needs treatment?
Medication is typically recommended when: your cholesterol levels are high enough to increase your risk for cardiovascular disease (or you already had a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke) you have an LDL level greater than 190 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
Which cholesterol result is most important?
LDL is the number most doctors and heart health programs focus on in particular, says Mosca. "Every single point of LDL decrease makes a difference," she says. "If your LDL is at 140 and you get it down to 130, that's great, even if you haven't reached optimum levels yet."
How do doctors interpret the results of a cholesterol test?
Cholesterol test results LDL: less than 100 mg/dL. HDL: 40 to 60 mg/dL (a higher number is better) Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL. Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL.
What is a good LDL and HDL level mg dL LDL HDL?
According to Michos, an ideal LDL cholesterol level should be less than 70 mg/dl, and a woman's HDL cholesterol level ideally should be close to 50 mg/dl. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dl. As Michos notes, total cholesterol levels well below 200 mg/dl are best.
What is more important LDL HDL or triglycerides?
Remember the triglyceride to HDL ratio is the stronger predictor of heart disease, much more so than “just” high cholesterol and LDL/HDL ratios.
Which is worse high triglycerides or LDL?
LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol because having too much LDL may cause a buildup of plaque in your blood vessels. Triglycerides are also a type of fat found in your blood. High triglycerides, low HDL, and/or high LDL numbers can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
What is a good LDL to HDL ratio?
In general: The higher the ratio, the higher the risk. Most healthcare providers want the ratio to be below 5:1. A ratio below 3.5:1 is considered very good.
Which is worse LDL or VLDL cholesterol?
LDL is considered 'bad' cholesterol because high levels can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries,” said Chiadika. “VLDL is considered 'bad' cholesterol as well but it mainly carries triglycerides, the most common type of fat in your body.
What is considered dangerously high cholesterol?
LDL Cholesterol An LDL of less than 100 mg/dL is the holy grail; a number 129 mg/dL or lower is also good. A range of 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high, 160 to 189 mg/dL is high, and above 189 mg/dL is in the danger zone, per the Cleveland Clinic.
What's a good HDL number?
What are optimal levels of HDL cholesterol?At riskDesirableMenLess than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) or aboveWomenLess than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L)60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) or above
What is a good triglyceride level?
A simple blood test can reveal whether your triglycerides fall into a healthy range: Normal — Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or less than 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) Borderline high — 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L) High — 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L)
What if LDL HDL ratio is high?
The higher your cholesterol ratio is, the greater your risk of heart disease. A high ratio is usually due to too high LDL and/or VLDL cholesterol, or low HDL cholesterol. Both the body and heart can be affected when cholesterol levels are not at normal levels.
What is the cholesterol panel?
In addition to measuring the total cholesterol in your blood, the standard cholesterol test (called a "lipid panel") measures three specific kinds of fat: Low-density lipoproteins ( LDL ). This is the "bad cholesterol," the main cause of plaque build-up, which increases your risk for heart disease. In general, the lower the number, the better.
What is the recommended LDL cholesterol level?
Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL. LDL cholesterol levels: 190 mg/dL and above represents a high risk for heart disease and is a strong indicator that the individual can benefit from intensive treatment, including lifestyle changes, diet, and statin therapy for reducing that risk.
What happens if you have too much cholesterol?
But you take in more cholesterol from certain foods, such as those from animals. If you have too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up in the walls of your arteries (as "plaque") and eventually harden.
Can you have angina with atherosclerosis?
In later stages of atherosclerosis, though, you may suffer angina -- severe chest pain from lack of blood flow to the heart. If an artery gets totally blocked, a heart attack results. A routine blood cholesterol test is a far better way of finding out what your cholesterol level is.
Is LDL cholesterol a part of the equation?
But LDL cholesterol is only one part of a larger equation that measures a person’s overall risk of having a heart attack or stroke . For years, guidelines focused on specific target numbers for individuals to achieve to lower their risk.
What does a cholesterol test show?
Your test results will show your cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Your total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol are among numerous factors your doctor can use to predict your lifetime or 10-year risk for a heart attack or stroke.
What is a lipid panel?
Lipid profile or lipid panel is a blood test that will give you results for your HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides and total blood (or serum) cholesterol. Watch an animation about cholesterol score.
Is HDL cholesterol good?
HDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol. A healthy HDL-cholesterol level may protect against heart attack and stroke. Your doctor will evaluate your HDL and other cholesterol levels and other factors to assess your risk for heart attack or stroke.
Total Cholesterol
This is the most simple cholesterol measurement. Your total cholesterol number factors in both the “good” (HDL) cholesterol, “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, and your triglyceride levels.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is known as “bad” cholesterol because it leads to harmful fat deposits and plaques in blood vessels. It is also a predictor of heart disease. You need to have fasted for 12 hours before getting your LDL measured as it can otherwise be falsely elevated.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol because it brings excess LDL cholesterol to the liver where it can be expunged from your body. Elevated levels of HDL cholesterol are actually associated with a lower risk of heart disease. You want to shoot for a level of 60mg/dL or greater.
Non-HDL Cholesterol & Triglycerides
Non-HDL cholesterol is not addressed clinically as much; this number calculates all the bad artery-clogging cholesterol circulating in your blood. This includes your LDL levels but also measures other things that contribute to cholesterol build-up. It’s found by subtracting your HDL number from your total cholesterol number.
What If I Have Elevated Cholesterol & Triglycerides?
Your doctor can make a treatment decision for you by measuring your total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. You should periodically have these tests done beginning at age 20.
Why does LDL cholesterol go up?
The risk of heart disease goes up if you have a high level of LDL cholesterol in your blood because of increased potential for narrowing of blood vessels. Triglycerides are another type of fat in the bloodstream. High levels are a risk factor for narrowing arteries in the body.
Why is HDL considered good cholesterol?
HDL (high density lipoprotein) is considered the "good" cholesterol because it may help decrease the cholesterol buildup in the walls of arteries that causes narrowing of their openings.
What is cholesterol plaque?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally present in cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body. The body uses cholesterol to produce many hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help to digest fat.
What is HDL cholesterol?
high-density lipoproteins ( HDL) cholesterol, and. triglycerides. Your health-care professional will be able to help you interpret the blood test results to determine if your cholesterol levels are normal or require treatment.
Can cholesterol medications be prescribed?
Cholesterol lowering medications may be prescribed even if cholesterol levels are relatively normal, if the risk of developing heart disease or stroke is high. Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) are all assessed by a doctor to determine whether medication may be helpful.
Is HDL cholesterol good or bad?
HDL (high density lipoprotein) is considered the "good" cholesterol because it may help decrease the cholesterol buildup in the walls of arteries that causes narrowing of their openings. LDL (low density lipoprotein) is considered "bad" cholesterol.
Is cholesterol a lifelong commitment?
Cholesterol control is often a lifelong commitment. Other risk factors associated with heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history. Cholesterol lowering medications may be prescribed even if cholesterol levels are relatively normal, if the risk of developing heart disease ...
What is a cholesterol test?
Cholesterol tests are blood tests that measure the amount of cholesterol in the body. The health care professional may order only a cholesterol test with results showing: The total cholesterol, HDL, and. LDL levels. In addition to cholesterol level, the health-care professional also may order a lipid profile test.
What is the role of cholesterol in the body?
Cholesterol is one of the building blocks that assists in forming vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is responsible for calcium metabolism in the body. There are two important types of cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL).
What are the benefits of triglycerides and cholesterol?
High cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Getting your cholesterol and triglyceride levels in an optimal range will help protect your heart and blood vessels. Cholesterol management may include lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise) as well as medications to get your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides in an optimal range.
Why is LDL cholesterol considered bad?
Cholesterol carried in particles of low density (LDL cholesterol) is referred to as the "bad" cholesterol because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. See a picture of Cholesterol and learn more about the health topic.
What does a lipid profile test measure?
The lipid profile test will also measure triglyceride levels and another fatty substance found in the blood.
What is the purpose of a cholesterol blood test?
The purpose of the cholesterol blood test is to determine whether treatment is needed for high cholesterol. That treatment may include dietary and lifestyle modifications, medications, or both to control cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
What are the two types of cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is an important part of normal body function. Cholesterol has two main types: HDL, or good cholesterol, that protects against heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease; and LD, or bad, cholesterol, ...
Understanding Cholesterol Testing and What Results Mean
Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University.
What Does a Lipid Panel Measure?
As stated, when you have a lipid panel, there are several notable measurements. The results of your lipid panel are an important component in allowing your doctor to assess your cardiovascular health and risk.
How to Prepare for the Test
There’s not too much that goes into preparing for a cholesterol test. Whenever you go in for medical visit, it’s a good idea to come early and bring a list of any medications or supplements you’re taking. Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing so that you don’t put pressure on the site of collection when leaving.
How the Test Is Performed
Cholesterol tests are performed on blood samples taken in a clinic, hospital, or outpatient center. This sample blood is usually collected from a vein in the forearm. You’ll feel a pinch when it’s being taken, and, from start to finish, the procedure typically only takes about five minutes. 2
After the Test
Generally, the turnaround time for your results is relatively quick, only taking one to two days. 3 Rapid test results from finger pricks are ready faster than that.
Interpreting the Results
Typically, you’ll have a consultation with your doctor about the results of your lipid panel. While each individual measure has its oen importance and place, a true assessment of health involves comparing them to each other, as well as assessing other health factors, such as disease status, lifestyle, genetics, gender, and age. 1
A Word From Verywell
Clearly, your cholesterol levels are closely tied to your health, and understanding your numbers as well as where you should be, is an important step in taking care of yourself. If you don’t know your cholesterol levels, ask your doctor when you should get tested.
How low is a good LDL?
There is no consensus on how to define very low LDL cholesterol, but LDL would be considered very low if it is less than 40 milligrams per deciliter of blood.
Is low cholesterol bad for you?
Lower cholesterol is usually better, but in rare cases having a very low level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol or a very low total cholesterol level has been associated with some health problems.
Can low LDL cause cancer?
Although the risks are rare, very low levels of LDL cholesterol may be associated with an increased risk of: Cancer. Hemorrhagic stroke. Depression. Anxiety. Preterm birth and low birth weight if your cholesterol is low while you're pregnant.
How Low Is Too Low?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in your blood. In the right amounts, it helps keep you healthy. You have two types of it in your bloodstream.
Risks of Low Cholesterol
Most of the time, very low cholesterol doesn’t cause a problem. But there’s some concern that in rare cases, hypolipidemia could lead to:
Treating Low Cholesterol
If your cholesterol is very low, your doctor will probably do more lab tests to look for the cause. In some cases, treating that issue could bring your cholesterol numbers back to normal levels.