Cholesterol levels should be measured at least once every five years in everyone over the age of 20 and more frequently after age 35. The cholesterol screening is a blood test, a lipoprotein profile, which includes:
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called “bad” cholesterol) Heart Easy calls this “loser” cholesterol.
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called “good” cholesterol) Heart Easy calls this “helpful” cholesterol.
- Triglycerides (fats carried in the blood from the food we eat. Excess calories, alcohol, or sugar in the body are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the body.)
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase your chances of getting heart disease. That is why LDL cholesterol is referred to as “bad” cholesterol. The lower your LDL cholesterol number, the lower your risk. The table below explains what the numbers mean.
HDL Cholesterol
When it comes to HDL cholesterol — “good” cholesterol — the higher the number, the lower your risk. This is because HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease by taking the “bad” cholesterol out of your blood and keeping it from building up in your arteries. The table below explains what the numbers mean.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food and the body. A high triglyceride level has been linked to higher risk of coronary artery disease. Here’s the breakdown.
Total Cholesterol
Your total blood cholesterol is a measure of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and other lipid components. Doctors recommend total cholesterol levels below 200.
source: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/understanding-numbers