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Clinical Importance of Serum Cholesterol

Heart disease is often the result of cholesterol deposits on the arteries. While not the only factor for heart disease, serum cholesterol levels are often checked to determine the risk of heart disease on a patient. HDL (high-density lipid), LDL (low-density lipid), and triglycerides are three levels that are closely examined by physicians.

  1. Cholesterol

    • Cholesterol is a fatty steroid chemical that is found in human cell membranes and as part of hormones and vitamins. Cholesterol is absorbed by the body from food. It is also manufactured in the liver from fat that is consumed and from the recycling of hormones and vitamins. Cholesterol deposits itself along the walls of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Hardened arteries are unable to transport blood effectively. If the cholesterol plaque is thick enough, it will block the arteries completely, leading to heart attacks or stroke. As part of a cardiac health workup, health care providers will sometimes order a serum cholesterol level. However, the results are interpreted in light of three major values: HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

    High-Density Lipoprotein

    • HDL cholesterol is cholesterol with a large concentration of protein within its molecule. As other cholesterol is deposited on the walls of the arteries, HDL cholesterol picks it up and carries it back to the liver for reprocessing. This is why a high HDL value in the blood is desirable. According to the American Hearth Association, serum values of 60 mg/dL are the most desirable, while values under 40 mg/dL are undesirable. HDL cholesterol is found in protein-rich foods, including lean meats and soy protein.

    Low-Density Lipoprotein

    • LDL cholesterol is cholesterol with a minimal concentration of protein within its molecule. This is the type of cholesterol that is deposited on the walls of the arteries. As a result, a low LDL value is most desirable. According to the American Heart Association, LDL values under 100 mg/dL are the most desirable, while values above 160 mg/dL are considered high. LDL cholesterol comes from high-fat foods like red meats and processed foods.

    Triglycerides

    • Because blood is water-based, fat circulates in the body as water-soluble triglycerides. They are the building blocks of cholesterol. So high concentrations of triglycerides will translate to higher concentrations of cholesterol. Desired levels of triglycerides are below 150 mg/dL. Levels above 200 mg/dL are considered high.

    Heart Disease Risk

    • Other factors such as body mass, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle habits contribute to the risk of developing heart disease. This is why cholesterol levels must be analyzed as part of a check up. While someone may have very low cholesterol levels, that same person may be at high risk for heart disease because of smoking or other similar habits. Then again, someone may be a marathoner and have a high risk for heart disease from genetics and be predisposed to create more cholesterol than normal in their livers. Only health care providers can determine if cholesterol levels are optimal for an individual.

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