Interpret Your Cholesterol Test Results
The best known cholesterol test is known as 'lipoprotein profile' which accurately counts various types of cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides. Similar to other people, it may not be so easy for you to make an interpretation of your cholesterol test results if you do not have any medical background. So, in this article we will discuss about how to interpret cholesterol test results in simple terms. But you must remember that neither the test nor the interpretation can substitute for a doctor visit.
Total Cholesterol (TC)
While looking carefully at the cholesterol test results, you may see a label called 'total cholesterol'. This value denotes the total number of fat content present in your body. As defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program, 200mg/dL is referred to as a desirable level. If the number is between 201mg/dL and 239mg/dL, which means you are at the borderline for high cholesterol. On the other hand, if your cholesterol test results imply that the total cholesterol level is over 240mg/dL, you are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease and other serious health complications.
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
Not all the items in your cholesterol test results may pose a threat for you. In fact, there is good news for you as well. Look at the value lies just adjacent to high blood cholesterol. If you find it 60mg/dL or above, it means you are a healthy individual. A high HDL ensures an essential protection against heart disease. An acceptable level of HDL may vary in between 40mg/dL and 59mg/dL. However, HDL below 40mg/dL is not desirable since it may heighten the risk for heart disease.
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
This is the 'bad cholesterol'; you might be very concerned about the counting of this in your cholesterol test results. A high level of LDL can pose a serious threat to overall health condition and turn the body become vulnerable towards many critical life threatening diseases such as heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. So the lower the LDL, the better it is for health. While 100mg/dL is considered as an optimal, 190mg/dL is considered a serious issue of concern.
Triglyceride
Increased level of triglyceride may also pose threats to health system. As defined by National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, if it is below 150mg/dL, it is safe for health. However, if it lies between 151mg/dL and 199mg/dL, the cholesterol test results for triglyceride count will be interpreted as borderline high. The range 200-499mg/dL is known as considerably high, while the count over 500mg/dL is tremendously high and needs immediate attention.
