Cholesterol & Triglyceride Levels for CAD & Hyperlipidemia

People with coronary artery disease and hyperlipidemia need to monitor the levels of lipids in their bloodstream. Lowering lipid levels (including tryglicerides and cholesterol) helps to prevent or diminish the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Hyperlipidemia Definition

• People who have been diagnosed with hyperlipidemia have elevated levels of lipids in their bloodstream. These lipids (or fats) include cholesterol, cholesterol esters, estersphospholipids and triglycerides.

  Classified according to the Fredrickson classification, hyperlipidemias are based on the pattern of lipoproteins on electrophoresis or ultracentrifugation. In layman's terms, that means there are five types of hyperlipidemias and each type is based upon the underlying cause of the illness. Hyperlipoproteinemia type 2 is the most common form. People diagnosed with hyperlipidemia need to lower the levels of lipids in the bloodstream, to help prevent a heart attack or stroke.

Coronary Artery Disease Definition

• Coronary artery disease (also called coronary heart disease or CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. By definition, it is a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. People with CAD need to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (or lipid) levels so the arteries will not fill with plaque, causing a blood clot, heart attack or stroke.

The Facts

• Lipids, or fats, are transported in the blood via molecules called lipoproteins. There are five lipoproteins, ranging from very low to high density They include low density lipoproteins, or LDL (bad), and high density lipoproteins, or HDL (good).

  Cholesterol is a fatlike substance found in the blood and cells. The body manufactures all the cholesterol it needs to function. Additional cholesterol is added to the bloodstream through foods that are high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol.

  Cholesterol and other fats cannot dissolve in the blood. To be carried to the cells, cholesterol uses lipoproteins known as low density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) and high density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol). HDL carries excess cholesterol to the intestines to be eliminated by the body. Instead of carrying it out of the body, LDL cholesterol may bind with fat and other substances and line the walls of the arteries, leading to blood clots, strokes or heart attacks. Having high levels of HDL is good -- that means the body will eliminate excess cholesterol. Having high levels of LDL is a risk indicator for heart attack and stroke.

Triglyceride Levels

• Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. A major energy source, a high triglyceride count nonetheless can be harmful. High triglyceride counts are often found in those who are overweight, diabetic, have heart disease or have elevated cholesterol levels.

  Triglyceride Levels

  • Normal: less than 150 mg/dL
  • Borderline-High: 150 to 199 mg/dL
  • High: 200 to 499 mg/dL
  • Very High: 500 mg/dL and above

Cholesterol Levels

• High cholesterol levels are considered to be 200 mg per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Statistics by the American Heart Association show that one in five Americans has elevated cholesterol levels.

  LDL (Bad Cholesterol) Levels

  Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
  Near Optimal:100 to 129 mg/dL
  Borderline High: 130 to 159 mg/dL
  High: 160 to 189 mg/dL
  Very High: 190 mg/dL and above