How to Read a Cholesterol Report

Cholesterol is a waxy substance transported in the blood of humans and other mammals. The body uses it for cell membrane maintenance, the transfer of fluid through cells and the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin K. Cholesterol either comes from food sources or is synthesized by the body. Cholesterol levels can be checked with a simple blood test. Understanding a cholesterol report takes some understanding of the four different components: high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), trigycerides and total cholesterol levels.

Instructions

• 1

  Get your cholesterol report. For men and women older than 20, cholesterol numbers should be checked every five years. Men older than 35 and women older than 45 should be routinely screened for cholesterol levels. Keeping these numbers on hand in hard copy will make reviewing them easier. Comparing your past numbers with current ones can help you understand how dietary and lifestyle changes are effecting your cholesterol levels. If you have your reports on paper, you will ensure that if you change physicians, your cholesterol history will go with you.

• 2

  Identify the four parts of cholesterol report. Find the lines that list your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride numbers.

• 3

  Review your total cholesterol number. This is your HDL and LDL numbers combined. According to The American Heart Association, overall, a level of less than 200 is healthy, 200 to 239 is borderline high and 240 or higher is considered high. However, it is necessary to evaluate both your HDL and LDL numbers separately.

• 4

  Evaluate your LDL cholesterol number. LDL cholesterol is the "bad" type and can clog your arteries putting you at risk for heart disease and strokes. The lower your LDL cholesterol number, the better it is for your health. According to The American Heart Association, with few exceptions, an LDL number of less than 100 is optimal. A level of 100 to129 is considered a normal range while 130 to 159 is borderline high, 160 to 189 is high, and 190 and above is dangerously high.

• 5

  Evaluate your HDL cholesterol number. HDL is called the "good" cholesterol. It protects your heart and takes LDL cholesterol out of your blood stream. Thus, the higher the number, the better. According to the American Heart Association, a level of 60 or above is optimal and helps lower your risk of heart disease. If your number is between 59 and 50 (for women) and 59 and 40 (for men) you're still considered within healthy range. An HDL number lower than 50 or 40, respectively, puts you at risk for heart disease.

• 6

  Evaluate your triglyceride number. Triglycerides are dissolved fast in the blood from food sources. Excess consumption of calories, saturated fat, sugar and alcohol can drive this number up. A high triglyceride level increases your risk for strokes, heart disease and heart attacks. According to The American Heart Association, a number of less than 150 is optimal, 150 to 199 is borderline, 199 to 499 is high, and anything greater than 500 is very high.