How to Interpret Cholesterol Numbers

The American Heart Association recommends cholesterol testing every five years for those over 20 years of age. Fasting blood work is the process for determining cholesterol levels, and the laboratory produces a lipid profile. The lipid profile reports figures for four different readings or numbers, and these numbers reveal how your body processes fats, both those produced by your body and those you eat.

Instructions

• 1

  Read the low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) figure on the lipid profile, as these are most significant to your heart health. LDLs are ideal in the 100 to 129 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) range. This number should be lower if you are at risk for a heart condition, reports the Mayo Clinic website.

• 2

  Review the high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) figure, which is known as "good" cholesterol. You want a number of 60 mg/dL or higher, according to Mayo Clinic ratings. Higher is better on this reading.

• 3

  Expect your triglycerides to be below 150 mg/dL. Readings between 150 and 199 mg/dL are borderline-high. Sweets and alcohol consumption increase triglycerides, reports Illinois Wesleyan University. A lower reading is better here.

• 4

  Consider total cholesterol at 200 mg/dL and below as a desirable reading, according to the American Heart Association. Diet, weight and exercise all contribute to the total cholesterol level in your blood.

• 5

  Interpret a cholesterol reading in terms of your personal risk factors, such as age, family history, smoking and high blood pressure, recommends the American Heart Association. This is what your doctor does best. Men over 45 and women over 50 are in a greater risk age group, according to the Mayo Clinic. Diabetics are also in a higher risk category, and a family history of early heart disease is an important factor to consider.