ANSWERS: 1
  • A substance called cholesterol exists in the body's bloodstream where it produces cell membranes and some hormones and helps regulate bodily functions. The body requires some cholesterol, but excess levels can lead to coronary heart disease and stroke.

    Complete fasting lipoprotein profile

    When a doctor orders cholesterol testing, the results come in the form of a complete fasting lipoprotein profile. The profile includes the levels of total blood cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

    Total blood cholesterol level

    An optimal total blood cholesterol level falls below 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood. A level from 200 to 239 milligrams per deciliter requires an evaluation of LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels to determine overall health. Levels over 240 milligrams per deciliter puts you at high risk of coronary heart disease.

    HDL cholesterol

    HDL, or "good," cholesterol levels below 40 milligrams per deciliter in men and 50 milligrams per deciliter in women indicate a higher heart disease risk. HDL levels over 60 milligrams per deciliter protect against heart disease.

    LDL cholesterol

    Optimal LDL, or "bad," cholesterol levels fall below 100 milligrams per deciliter. Optimal levels are 100 to 129 milligrams per deciliter. High levels are 160 to 189 milligrams per deciliter, and anything above 190 milligrams per deciliter indicates a very high risk of heart disease.

    Triglycerides

    High triglyceride levels tend to correlate with high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol. Normal triglyceride levels fall below 150 milligrams per deciliter. High triglycerides are 200 to 499 milligrams per deciliter. Very high triglyceride levels, above 500 milligrams per deciliters, put heart health at risk.

    Source:

    American Heart Association: About Cholesterol

    American Heart Association: What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean

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