Your Cholesterol Levels

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Your Cholesterol Levels

As part of your regular checkup, it is likely that the doctor will order bloodwork that among other things will measure your levels of total cholesterol and also High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). Should the numbers show outside of the normal range, your doctor may ask for a fasting cholesterol test. For this, you won't eat or drink other than water for twelve hours prior to the test. This test will show your Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels, in addition to the total cholesterol and HDL.

The National Cholesterol Education Program has presented goal cholesterol levels, which are as follows:

Total Cholesterol Level (mg/dl)

Desirable: Below 200

Borderline: 200-239

Undesirable: 240 and above

LDL Cholesterol (mg/dl)

Desirable: Below 100

Above Average: 100-129

Borderline: 130-159

Undesirable: 160-189

Very Undesirable: 190 and above

HDL Cholesterol (mg/dl)

Desirable: Above 60

Borderline: 40-60

Undesirable: Below 40

Serum Triglycerides (mg/dl)

Normal: Below 150

Borderline: 150-199

Undesirable: 200-499

Very Undesirable: 500 or above

Some laboratories will calculate the cholesterol ratio (total/HDL), but it is far more important to get the individual numbers for the total cholesterol, HDL and LDL. Notice that lower numbers are desirable for everything except HDL. The high density lipoproteins are known as good cholesterol. If your HDL levels are lower than 40 mg/dl, you can increase them by

Quitting smoking

Losing weight

Getting physically active for at least 30-60 minutes per day.

Your cholesterol levels, along with your other risk factors will determine the course of action that your physician will recommend.

Some of these risk factors are:

Obesity

Family history

Lack of physical activity

Age

Sex

Alcohol consumption

Stress

Body shape

Diabetes

Smoking

Some of these factors you have no control over, such as age, family history and sex. But you need to take care of business with the others. Quitting smoking is a given. Adding exercise to your daily schedule can help you with multiple factors, including reducing weight, reducing stress and lowering cholesterol levels. Watch your diet by eating less saturated fats and trans fats.

Another alternative treatment method is medication. There are many to choose from, prescription and non-prescription, but there may be side effects or they may react unfavorably with other medicines that you are taking. Be sure to check with your physician before trying any of these.

Make sure to check with your physician before starting any new diet or exercise regimen.

By: Ken MacKenzie

About the Author:

Ken is a successful writer and online entrepreneur. He has developed Lower-your-cholesterol as a portal for presenting articles, information, resources and links about lowering your cholesterol.

Article Source: iSnare