The test measures your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels. Your doctor normally tell you your results in term of numbers. So what do those numbers mean?
Well, a lot of this information can be found on the net but I will just summarize here. Most doctors agree that total cholesterol levels should be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood but total cholesterol is only part of the story. Here is how it breaks down ( no pun intended!):
Total cholesterol
- You want to keep your total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL.
- You're pushing it if it's between 200 and 240 mg/dL.
- You're asking for trouble if it's higher than 240 mg/dL.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol.
- Keep this below 130 mg/dL.
- you're right on the edge if it's between 130 and 160 mg/dL.
- You're looking to clog your arteries if it's above 160 mg/dL .
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol.
- Best if it's kept above 45 mg/dL.
- A borderline reading will be between 35 and 45 mg/dL.
- You are putting yourself at serious risk if it's below 35 mg/dL.
Triglycerides
- Good if kept below 200 mg/dL.
- From 200 to 400 mg/dL constitutes a borderline reading.
- Above above 400 mg/dL - no good! Your are storing a lot of fat in your body!!
As always, work with your doctor to determine what YOUR numbers are as everyone is different and there could be genetic factors involved as well.
Getting Good Numbers
OK you may not like some of these recommendations but I am just going to list them:
- Exercise is one of the best ways to increase the good HDL cholesterol(this is the first thing most doctors recommend!).
- Eat more fiber-rich foods. Fiber fills you up and clears cholesterol out of the body.
- Eating a low-fat diet is another great way to lower LDL cholesterol.
- Keep high blood pressure (hypertension) under control.
- Quit smoking ( sorry!).
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
- If you are a little on the "heavy" side try loosing some weight!
If you try and follow these guidelines, your risk of cardiovascular disease will be diminished.
However, as I mentioned before, genetics plays a role for some people, and sometimes more intensive treatment may be needed.
There are numerous drugs out there for lowering cholesterol levels and as with most drugs there'll be side effects. Talk to your doctor as to which one is right for you.
There are also some great natural products that may help and I will get into these in my next post.
To your natural health!