How to Interpret Cholesterol Tests

Cholesterol tests---also known as lipid profiles or lipid panels---help determine how much cholesterol you have in your blood. High blood cholesterol levels are associated with health problems, such as an increased risk for heart disease. Being able to correctly interpret the results of your cholesterol tests can have substantial benefits on your long-term health.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for your LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, total first. This tells you how much "bad" cholesterol is in your bloodstream, and it is the number most people are referring to when they talk about high cholesterol. If the number is lower than 129 mg/dL, you are considered to have a healthy LDL level. An LDL level higher than 129 mg/dL indicates that you will need to make changes, such as lifestyle modifications and/or medication, to lower your LDL levels.

• 2

  Scan the results for your HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, number. This number tells you how much HDL, or "good" cholesterol you have in your blood. You want this number to be high: more than 60 mg/dL is considered ideal, but anything higher than 50 mg/dL is considered to be in the healthy range. If your HDL levels are lower than 50 mg/dL, you should discuss ways to improve the levels with your doctor.

• 3

  Look for your triglycerides number; this number shows how many excess calories you have in your body. A triglyceride number higher than 150 mg/dL suggests that you are consuming more calories than you are burning, and can signal potential obesity and a diabetes risk.

• 4

  Finally, look at your total blood cholesterol level, which adds up all the cholesterol in your blood for one total number. Ideally, you want your blood cholesterol level to be 200 mg/dL or lower, but the other numbers on your total cholesterol report are a better indicator of overall health. For instance, you may have a low total cholesterol number and still have a dangerously high level of LDL, or you might have a high total cholesterol level because of very healthy HDL levels.