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High cholesterol can only be detected through a blood test, which measures levels of LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. An elevated LDL level is a serious sign of high cholesterol and can increase the risk of heart disease. Regular testing is recommended, especially for those with risk factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and family history. Desired levels of HDL cholesterol are 60 mg/dL or higher, while high triglycerides are 150-199 mg/dL or higher.
The signs of high cholesterol can only be discovered through a blood test, which examines lipids and fats in the blood. A typical test would look at levels of LDL and HDL, which are proteins in the blood that carry cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol. It will also measure triglycerides, which are a type of fat found in the blood. One of the more serious signs of high cholesterol is an elevated LDL level, as this can create a high risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol tests measure the milligrams of cholesterol in each deciliter of blood, or millimoles (mmol) per liter of blood. Each test has different criteria for what cholesterol levels are desirable. While there are some types of cholesterol that are supposed to be low, other varieties are supposed to be at higher levels.
Your total cholesterol test results fall into the best, high limit, and high categories. A cutoff level for total cholesterol is 200-239 mg/dL or 5.2-6.2 mmol/L. Results of or about 240 mg/dL or 6.2 mmol/L are considered elevated.
One of the most serious signs of high cholesterol is an LDL test with a high number. The test results fall into one of five categories: best for people at risk for heart disease, near ideal, high limit, high, and very high. An individual with 160-189 mg/dL or 3.4-4.1 mmol/L has high cholesterol. Any number equal to or equal to 190 mg/dL or 4.9 mmol/L is considered very high. Most treatments will address a high LDL count due to an elevated risk of heart disease. This is one of the most significant signs of high cholesterol
When looking at the signs of high cholesterol, it is actually desirable to have a high level of HDL cholesterol. The test results measure whether your HDL levels are low, better, or better. Desired levels are 60 mg/dL or 1.5 mmol/L or higher. Men with a level below 40 mg/dL or 1 mmol/L or women below 50 mg/dL or 1.3 mmol/L are considered to have too low HDL cholesterol.
Triglyceride test results are divided into four categories: best, high limit, high, and very high. The limit values for high triglycerides are 150-199 mg/dL or 1.7-2.2 mmol/L. High levels are 200-499 mg/dL or 2.3-5.6 mmol/L. Any number equal to or greater than 500 mg/dL or 4.6 mmol/L is considered very high.
Without testing, the only significant signs of high cholesterol are serious, life-threatening conditions like heart attack and stroke. This is why it is recommended that individuals over the age of 20 get their cholesterol tested every five years. It’s also important to be aware of risk factors for high cholesterol such as a family history, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and older age.
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