Bad Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol Levels. Latest Research
Interpreting your cholesterol numbers
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood in the United States and some other countries. Canada and most European countries measure cholesterol in millimoles (mmol) per liter (L) of blood. Consider these general guidelines when you get your lipid panel (cholesterol test) results back to see if your cholesterol falls in optimal levels.
It’s important to keep your cholesterol levels within healthy limits. And if you have other risk factors for developing heart disease, you need to be even more careful — especially with your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol level.
Types of cholesterol
LDL cholesterol can build up on the inside of artery walls, contributing to artery blockages that can lead to heart attacks. Higher LDL cholesterol levels mean higher risk. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps prevent arteries from becoming clogged. Higher HDL cholesterol levels generally mean lower risk.
A blood test to check cholesterol levels — called a lipid panel or lipid profile — typically reports:
- HDL cholesterol
- Total cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides, a type of fat often increased by sweets and alcohol
For the most accurate measurements, don’t eat or drink anything (other than water) for nine to 12 hours before the blood sample is taken.
LDL targets differ
Because LDL cholesterol has a major association with heart disease, it’s the main focus of cholesterol-lowering treatment. But it’s not as simple as the chart may appear. Your target LDL number can vary, depending on your underlying risk of heart disease.
Most people should aim for an LDL level below 130 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L). If you have other risk factors for heart disease, your target LDL may be below 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L). If you’re at very high risk of heart disease, you may need to aim for an LDL level below 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L).
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High cholesterol levels Photo Mugs High cholesterol levels. Computer artwork of red blood cells and balls of cholesterol (yellow) in a blood vessel. When there are high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood it builds up on the sides of blood vessels hardening them, a condition named atherosclerosis. This narrows the blood vessels and may even block them, causing a heart attack if the blocked vessel is in … |
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High cholesterol levels Photo Mugs High cholesterol levels. Computer artwork of balls of cholesterol in a blood vessel. When there are high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood it builds up on the sides of blood vessels hardening them, a condition named atherosclerosis. This narrows the blood vessels and may even block them, causing a heart attack if the blocked vessel is in the heart, or a stroke if it … |
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Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of High cholesterol levels from Science Photo Library Photo Puzzle, High cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels. Computer artwork of red blood cells and balls of cholesterol (yellow) in a blood vessel. When there are high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood it builds up on the sides of blood vessels hardening them, a condition named atherosclerosis. This narrows the blood vessels and may even block them, causing a he… |