Your Cholesterol Reading– What does it mean?

Just what does a cholesterol test tell you? Do you really understand what those numbers mean? And why is it important?

Elevated cholesterol readings are a major contributor to heart disease. Today, in both men and women, heart disease is the number one cause of death for those of us over the age of 50.  The good news is…you can control your cholesterol, but to do so, you need to understand the test and the results.

Total cholesterol is the number you hear most of all and often just referred to as the “cholesterol level”. It includes the good and bad kinds of cholesterol. Ideally this number will be less than 200.

The LDL or low density lipoprotein, is what is known as your bad cholesterol. This is the one that basically causes your vessels to plug up - i.e., plaque build up. Ideally this number will be below 100. A good way to remember that this is the “bad” cholesterol is to think of the LDL as being the “lousy” cholesterol and the number should be “low”.

The HDL or the high density lipoprotein is your good cholesterol. This is the one that is protective of your heart. In women, this number should be above 50, in men, above 40. Think of the HDL as the “healthy” or “happy” lipoprotein and know that this number should be “high”.

The final number that you will often see is the triglyceride level. This is a different kind of lipid or fat that is often elevated in response to high fat and carbohydrate diets as well as in those who drink alcohol excessively. It is frequently elevated in those with insulin resistance and diabetes.

Treatment recommendations for numbers that are out of whack will depend on your own risk factors for heart disease, your individual results, and other health conditions that may be affecting you.

In many cases lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on keeping your cholesterol under control without medication – but it does take consistent effort. Make sure you are getting exercise on a daily basis, eat low fat, moderate carbohydrates, keep your weight healthy, include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Make sure your daily intake of fiber is 35 grams or more, and of course, drink water.

(c)2006 Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen | Healthy Aging For Women
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Barbara C. Phillips, MN, NP is a nurse practitioner who has been providing health care to individuals since 1973. She currently provides primary care in WA state as well as writes and counsels women regarding health care online. You’ll find a variety of topics at www.healthyagingforwomen and www.olderwiserwomen.com