Cholesterol readings are the results of tests that measure cholesterol in the blood. A test known as a lipid panel generates cholesterol readings measuring total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL. In addition to cholesterol readings, lipid panels measure triglycerides, a different form of fat. Total cholesterol readings on their own can be misleading; most cholesterol treatment decisions are made based on LDL and HDL cholesterol readings.
What Are Cholesterol Readings?
Having your
cholesterol tested is the only way to know if you have
high cholesterol. Cholesterol readings are the results of your
cholesterol test. There are a few different forms of
cholesterol tests used to determine your cholesterol readings. For example, cholesterol readings derived from home cholesterol tests may only measure total cholesterol. A cholesterol test known as a lipid profile or lipid panel, will measure several things, including.
The results of these tests are your cholesterol readings. Understanding these cholesterol readings can help you determine if you have high cholesterol and your risk for
heart disease.
Total Cholesterol Readings
Total cholesterol (as the name implies) refers to the total amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Total cholesterol readings combine levels for HDL, LDL, and another type of cholesterol known as
VLDL, or very low density lipoprotein.
Total cholesterol readings alone can be misleading; it's possible to have a healthy total cholesterol reading and still have a low HDL level or a high LDL level. Because of this, most
cholesterol treatment decisions are based on HDL and LDL cholesterol readings, as opposed to total cholesterol levels. It's often best to think of your total cholesterol readings as a guideline; if your total cholesterol is too high, you should have more specific cholesterol readings taken to learn your LDL and HDL levels.
Total cholesterol readings over 240 mg/dL are classified as "high," a reading between 200 and 239 mg/dL is borderline high, and a total cholesterol reading under 200 is generally considered healthy. If your total cholesterol reading is higher than 240 mg/dL, your risk for
stroke and heart disease is higher.
|
Total Cholesterol Level
|
Total Cholesterol Category
|
|
Less than 200 mg/dL
|
Desirable
|
|
200–239 mg/dL
|
Borderline high
|
|
240 mg/dL and above
|
High
|
(Cholesterol readings are expressed in milligrams [mg] of cholesterol per deciliter [dL] of blood.)
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