Why You Should Know Your Cholesterol Numbers
A cholesterol test to get the accurate cholesterol numbers is one of the most useful tests a person should take. The cholesterol numbers you get as a result of this test can point out the possible problems you might face in conjunction with other risk factors you have. The most common cholesterol test is the lipoprotein profile. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that combines with protein. It travels in bile into the intestine where it is absorbed. It then enters the bloodstream to help build and maintain cells. It makes hormones and strengthens nerves. That is what good cholesterol does. Bad cholesterol however, builds plaque in the arteries which will constrict blood flow and causes heart disease or even heart attacks. Cholesterol Numbers The results of a cholesterol test will show cholesterol numbers for low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density protein (HDL) and triglycerides. It will also show the total cholesterol numbers of all cholesterol. LDL is the cholesterol known as bad cholesterol. Density means the ratio of fatty cholesterol to protein. Low density lipoprotein means the ratio of protein is lower than the fat. HDL, which is the good cholesterol, has high protein ratios. Triglycerides are the fats that travel in the blood. Extra calories, alcohol and sugar will convert to triglycerides and will be stored in fat cells. The best cholesterol numbers for LDL are below 100. However, 100 to 129 is still considered good. Borderline high LDL cholesterol numbers is 130 to 159. High LDL cholesterol numbers is 160-189 and over 190 are considered very high. If you have other risk factors like existing heart disease, doctors recommend that your LDL cholesterol numbers should be below 70. However, less dangerous risk factors such as diabetes can have LDL cholesterol numbers up to almost 100. HDL cholesterol actually helps to keep LDL down and cleans out clogged arteries. That is why the higher the HDL cholesterol numbers, the better. HDL cholesterol numbers that are below 40 for men or 50 for women are considered too low. It will amount to a risk factor. The best HDL cholesterol numbers one should have are above 60. High triglyceride levels can possibly lead to coronary artery disease. Normal levels should be less than 150 and borderline high is 150 to 199. The level is considered high at 200 to 4999 and very high level is at 500 or over. Total cholesterol numbers for all cholesterol should be below 200. If the total cholesterol numbers are from 200 to 239 you are considered border line high. If your total cholesterol numbers are more than that, you are at an extremely high risk. You should discuss with your doctor how to control your cholesterol numbers that will fit with your personal risk factors.
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