Decoding Your Cholesterol Results: What You Need to Know

Decoding Your Cholesterol Results: What You Need to Know

Cholesterol. It’s a word we hear all the time, but do we really know what it means when we get our cholesterol results back? High cholesterol levels can lead to health problems, but what do those numbers on our test mean? In this article, we will decode your cholesterol results and give you the information you need to know.

Cholesterol 101

First, let’s go over what cholesterol is. It’s a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Cholesterol is important for making hormones, vitamin D, and helping with digestion. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because too much can lead to plaque build-up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the body.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

When you get your cholesterol test results back, you will see numbers for both your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, along with your total cholesterol level. The optimal levels for total cholesterol are less than 200 mg/dL, LDL should be less than 100 mg/dL, and HDL should be above 60 mg/dL.

If your cholesterol levels are above optimal, don’t panic. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, a healthy diet, and quitting smoking can help reduce cholesterol levels. In some cases, medication may be recommended.

A Closer Look at Triglycerides

Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood that can affect cholesterol levels. High levels of triglycerides can also lead to heart disease. Your cholesterol test results will include your level of triglycerides. The optimal level for triglycerides is less than 150 mg/dL.

Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising, and eating a healthy diet can also help lower triglycerides. In some cases, medication may be recommended.

When Should You Get Tested?

Cholesterol testing is recommended for all adults starting at age 20. If you have risk factors for heart disease such as a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, you may need to get tested earlier and more often.

Conclusion

Decoding your cholesterol results can seem overwhelming, but it’s important to understand what those numbers mean for your health. Remember that lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise can have a big impact on cholesterol levels. If your numbers are still high despite lifestyle changes, medication may be recommended. Don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider about your cholesterol levels and what steps you can take to improve them.

Speech tips:

Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.