There are two major forms of cholesterol: LDL (Low-density cholesterol) and HDL (High density cholesterol). These are the forms in which cholesterol travels in the blood. LDL is known as “bad cholesterol.” LDL’s have little protein and high levels of cholesterol. LDL is the main source of artery clogging plaque which can lead to heart disease. HDL in contrast is known as “good cholesterol. HDL’s have high levels of protein and minimal levels of cholesterol. In fact, HDL works to unclog the arteries and prevent heart disease.

When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it builds in the walls of your arteries causing them to narrow. Consequently, blood flow to the heart is slowed or even blocked. Blood carries oxygen to the heart, and if your heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen you may suffer chest pain. If blood flow to a portion off the heart is completely cut off, the result is a heart attack. Monitoring and controlling your cholesterol, especially the LDL’s, is necessary to reduce your risks of heart disease. In a recently publish article, “Lowering Cholesterol to Reduce Heart Disease,” Web MD identifies a key concept in regards to the symptoms of high cholesterol that everyone should be aware of; as well as, defines the ideal cholesterol numbers you should look for.

It is very difficult to identify when you have high cholesterol because unlike the flu, high cholesterol itself does not cause any symptoms. This then leaves many people unaware that their cholesterol is too high. Because high cholesterol can go unnoticed until severe complications take place, it is crucial to get your cholesterol tested. Everyone over the age of 20 should get their cholesterol levels measured at least once every 5 years. Those with high cholesterol should increase that number as they are advised to do so by their doctor. The key to controlling your cholesterol is to be proactive about it. You can not treat something if you are unaware of it.

After getting tested it is important to understand how to interpret the numbers your test yields. The test that is performed is a blood test that is called a lipoprotein profile. The entire test includes:

• Total cholesterol level
• LDL( the “bad” cholesterol)
• HDL ( the “good” cholesterol)
• Triglycerides

Here is how to interpret your numbers:

Total Cholesterol

• Less than 200:       Desirable
• 200-239:                  Borderline High
• 240 and above:      High

LDL Cholesterol

• Less than 100:      Optimal
• 100-129:                 Near optimal/above optimal
• 130-159:                 Borderline high
• 160-189:                 High
• 190 and above:     Very high

HDL-Cholesterol

• 60 or more:            Desirable – reduces the risk of heart disease
• Less than 40:        Dangerous-increases the risk of heart disease

Cholesterol has a large influence on heart disease; both positive and negative. The most important thing to remember is to get tested. To learn more about testing guidelines as well as about a variety of tests that are offered in association with a lipoprotein profile; check out, “Cholesterol and Triglycerides Tests” at NorthShore University HealthSystem.

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