Cholesterol is a type of waxy, fat-like substance, or lipid, that the body needs to function. It forms part of the cell membranes, helps the liver make bile, and serves as a building block for hormones.
There are several types of cholesterol. They include:
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a good cholesterol that helps protect the arteries
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is bad cholesterol that causes plaque buildup in the arteries
- Very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol is another type of bad cholesterol that can also cause plaque buildup in the arteries
- Non-HDL cholesterol- refers to all the cholesterol in the blood, except for HDL cholesterol
Cholesterol is vital for us to live, as it does many essential jobs in the body. However, too much cholesterol in the blood is harmful as it can enter the artery wall, weakening it, leading to hardened deposits of atherosclerotic plaque to form. This is called atherosclerosis, and it can lead to problems such as:
- Coronary artery disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Carotid artery disease
A person can live for many years with high cholesterol and not know it. High levels of cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, can be a risk of a heart attack or stroke. That is why it is important to get your cholesterol numbers checked on a regular basis.
When getting your cholesterol numbers checked, a healthcare provider will use a blood test called a lipid panel. A healthcare provider will check the numbers of the main levels of cholesterol. They include:
- Total cholesterol: Below 200
- LDL cholesterol: Below 100
- VLDL cholesterol: Below 30
- HDL cholesterol: 40-80 for males. 50-80 for females
The lipid panel also measures another type of fat in the blood called triglycerides.
Normal cholesterol levels can vary based on age, ethnicity, and sex.
If a person has heart disease or several risk factors, the LDL target number may be different, and a healthcare provider will want the number to be below 70.
HDL numbers are typically better when higher rather than lower. An ideal number for HDL cholesterol should be between 60 and 80 to protect against heart disease. An HDL number over 80 is too high and can be unhealthy. HDL is the only number that has sex-based differences, as females need a higher HDL level than males.
High cholesterol means that total cholesterol is 200/mg/dl or higher, or higher than normal. “Borderline high” is a phrase that healthcare providers may use to break down the results of a lipid panel. If a person’s cholesterol numbers are close to normal, they may be easier to manage. High cholesterol numbers include:
- Total cholesterol: Borderline high: 200-239
High: 240 or higher
- LDL cholesterol: Elevated:100-129
Borderline high: 130-159
High: 160-189
- VLDL cholesterol: 30 or higher
LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol numbers should be lower rather than higher.
How often a person gets their cholesterol checked depends on their age, family history, risk factors for heart disease, and their sex, as males need more frequent tests starting at a younger age.
Males ages 20 to 44 should get their cholesterol checked every five years. Males ages 45 to 65 should get their cholesterol checked every one to two years. And males 65 years and older should get their cholesterol checked every year.
Females ages 20-54 should get their cholesterol checked every five years. Females ages 55 to 65 should get their cholesterol checked every one to two years. And females 65 and older should get their cholesterol checked every year.
It is important to know what your cholesterol numbers are, as they can help you learn about your potential risks for heart disease. A healthcare provider will look at your cholesterol numbers, as well as the other aspects of your health, to learn more about your risks of heart disease.
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about understanding cholesterol numbers, you can speak with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.