How Is High Blood Cholesterol Diagnosed?
High blood cholesterol is diagnosed by checking
levels of cholesterol in your blood. It is best to have a blood test called a
lipoprotein profile to measure your cholesterol levels. You will need to not
eat or drink anything (fast) for 9 to 12 hours before taking the test.
The lipoprotein profile will give information about
your:
- Total cholesterol
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) bad cholesterol:
the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) good cholesterol:
the good cholesterol that helps keep cholesterol from building up in arteries
- Triglycerides: another form of fat in your blood
If it is not possible to get a lipoprotein profile
done, knowing your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can give you a general
idea about your cholesterol levels. Testing for total and HDL cholesterol does
not require fasting. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or more, or if your
HDL is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to have a lipoprotein profile done.
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg)
of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. See how your cholesterol numbers
compare to the tables below.
| Total Cholesterol Level |
Total Cholesterol Category |
| Less than 200 mg/dL |
Desirable |
| 200–239 mg/dL |
Borderline high |
| 240 mg/dL and above |
High |
| LDL Cholesterol Level |
LDL Cholesterol Category |
| Less than 100 mg/dL |
Optimal |
| 100–129 mg/dL |
Near optimal/above optimal |
| 130–159 mg/dL |
Borderline high |
| 160–189 mg/dL |
High |
| 190 mg/dL and above |
Very high |
| HDL Cholesterol Level |
HDL Cholesterol Category |
| Less than 40 mg/dL |
A major risk factor for heart disease |
| 40–59 mg/dL |
The higher, the better |
| 60 mg/dL and above |
Considered protective against heart disease |
Triglycerides can also raise your risk for heart
disease. If you have levels that are borderline high (150–199 mg/dL) or
high (200 mg/dL or more), you may need treatment. Things that can increase
triglyceride levels include:
- Overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Very high carbohydrate diet
- Certain diseases and drugs
- Genetic disorders
|
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