Cholesterol is a fatty compound produced by the liver and absorbed by the body, usually from eating meat and other animal products. Serum cholesterol can be measured with simple blood tests and can indicate the potential for preventable diseases. HDL is considered good while LDL is labeled bad. Doctors look at all numbers to get a big picture of health.
Cholesterol is a fatty compound produced by the liver and absorbed by the body, usually from eating meat and other animal products. Also known as lipids and blood lipids, serum cholesterol can be measured with simple blood tests. Levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood in the United States and in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) of blood in most other countries. Cholesterol tests measure overall cholesterol as well as levels of HDL and LDL, which are the two basic types of cholesterol. These tests have become a standard for thorough checkups, as serum cholesterol level can indicate the potential for coronary artery disease, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other largely preventable diseases.
Blood lipid levels are usually broken down to show the amounts of the two major types of cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is commonly known as the “good” cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is labeled the “bad” cholesterol. Both are necessary for good health, but higher HDL numbers are preferred while lower LDL numbers are thought to be better for heart health. Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that is also often measured in a blood lipid test.
HDL numbers that are around 40 mg/dL (less than 1 mmol/L) or lower are considered poor, while numbers of around 60 mg/L (approximately 1.5 mmol/L) and higher are considered good. LDL numbers ranging from about 100-129 mg/dL (2.6 – 3.3 mmol/L) are average, but lower numbers are recommended for those with risk factors for heart disease or known heart problems. A level of 130 mg/L (about 3.4 mmol/L) or higher is considered elevated. Both dietary changes and medications are often used to raise HDL and lower LDL. The best overall serum cholesterol level is generally considered to be 200 mg/L (about 5.2 mmol/L) and lower, although many experts now believe that corrected HDL and LDL levels may be more important than the overall total number.
Serum cholesterol tests are usually most accurate after the patient has fasted for about 12 hours. This prevents the digestion of the food from affecting the test and changing the result. Food, especially choices that contain fat or sugar, can dramatically alter triglyceride results, so fasting and drinking only water in the hours leading up to a test is recommended. However, a doctor may give different instructions depending on the reasons for the test. Triglycerides are generally considered good if they measure at 150 mg/L (about 1.7 mmol/L) or lower and too high for higher values.
Low numbers generally indicate high amounts of blood fats and cholesterol that could contribute to clogged arteries, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other problems. Doctors typically look at all the numbers in serum cholesterol tests to get a big picture of health instead of singling out a negative number or result as a definite indication that something is wrong. Serum cholesterol levels can usually be brought into a healthy range by following a nutritious diet; get some exercise; and, if necessary, take the appropriate medications.
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