How to Read LDL Cholesterol Test Results

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is carried in the blood. Our bodies make some and some we get from foods. Cholesterol comes in several types but there are two we hear about most often: "good" HDL cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol, which at high levels can put you at risk for heart disease. Read your cholesterol test results carefully to understand your risk.

Instructions

• 1

  Read the total cholesterol as the sum of HDL, LDL and other types of cholesterol levels.

• 2

  Consider your LDL test results as optimal if you have no elevated risk and your LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL. High-risk patients should aim to lower their LDL cholesterol to 70 mg/dL or lower.

• 3

  Read results of 100 to 130 as normal and read levels of 130 to 159 as borderline. At this point your risk for developing heart disease increases.

• 4

  Note that levels between 160 and 189 are considered high risk and those of 190 mg/dL or more are considered very high risk.

• 5

  Heed the newest findings. If your overall health puts you at high risk for heart disease, you should lower your LDL cholesterol to less than 100 mg/dL and possibly less than 70. If you are a moderate-risk patient, you should lower it to less than 130 mg/dL. If you are at low risk, keep it less than 160 mg/dL.

• 6

  Remember that these guidelines for cholesterol levels are simply guidelines. There are other factors to consider in your overall health that contribute to your risk of developing heart disease. Discuss the results with your doctor if your levels are in the higher range.

• 7

  Reduce your LDL cholesterol levels if you need to. Your doctor might put you on a special diet or prescribe medication to lower your cholesterol. Even if your levels are optimal, choose healthy habits regarding exercise, diet and lifestyle choices.