Evaluating My Cholesterol Test Results
I had my cholesterol tested recently and just got my results back. I found this reference on WebMD to help me figure out what it all meant. I talked briefly with my doctor about it over the phone, but he basically said what the website said, and that I should try to control it with diet and exercise first, and not medication.
Total cholesterol
Less than 200 mg/dL is desirable.
200 mg/dL to 239 mg/dL is borderline high.
240 mg/dL and above is high.
My total cholesterol was 215, so I am borderline high. This worries me since I am still under 30. My heart is already starting to clog?
LDL cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol”
Below 100 mg/dL is optimal.
100 mg/dL to 129 mg/dL is near optimal/above optimal.
130 mg/dL to 159 mg/dL is borderline high.
160 to 189 mg/dL is high.
190 mg/dL and above is very high.
My LDL level was 128, so that is slightly above optimal but ok.
HDL cholesterol, or “good cholesterol”
Less than 40 mg/dL is low.
60 mg/dL and above is optimal. HDL levels of 60 and above can help lower your risk for heart disease.
My HDL level was 68, so that’s good.
Triglycerides
150 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL are borderline high.
200 mg/dL or more are high.
My triglycerides level was 95, so that’s good too.
The WebMD link spoke about how I should get two LDL measurements within 1-8 weeks, but my doctor never mentioned that. He did say to check it again at my next appointment to see of it went up or down. Well, this will be more motivation to work out and eat better. Life is short enough as it is!
I had my cholesterol tested recently and just got my results back. I found this reference on WebMD to help me figure out what it all meant. I talked briefly with my doctor about it over the phone, but he basically said what the website said, and that I should try to control it with diet and exercise first, and not medication.
Total cholesterol
Less than 200 mg/dL is desirable.
200 mg/dL to 239 mg/dL is borderline high.
240 mg/dL and above is high.
My total cholesterol was 215, so I am borderline high. This worries me since I am still under 30. My heart is already starting to clog?
LDL cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol”
Below 100 mg/dL is optimal.
100 mg/dL to 129 mg/dL is near optimal/above optimal.
130 mg/dL to 159 mg/dL is borderline high.
160 to 189 mg/dL is high.
190 mg/dL and above is very high.
My LDL level was 128, so that is slightly above optimal but ok.
HDL cholesterol, or “good cholesterol”
Less than 40 mg/dL is low.
60 mg/dL and above is optimal. HDL levels of 60 and above can help lower your risk for heart disease.
My HDL level was 68, so that’s good.
Triglycerides
150 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL are borderline high.
200 mg/dL or more are high.
My triglycerides level was 95, so that’s good too.
The WebMD link spoke about how I should get two LDL measurements within 1-8 weeks, but my doctor never mentioned that. He did say to check it again at my next appointment to see of it went up or down. Well, this will be more motivation to work out and eat better. Life is short enough as it is!
March 31st, 2006 at 3:19 pm
From what I’ve read lately, your total cholesterol divided by your HDL is more predictive of heart disease. Your ratio is actually great at 3.16. So, I wouldn’t worry too much about your numbers. From what I’ve gathered, the HDL is actually taking the LDL away. Here’s a link that talks a little about the ratio:
About.com Cholesterol Link
An easy way to get the LDL down some is to take in more soluble fiber, whole-wheat sugar-free bread (or there’s also a bread called “double fiber”) is a really easy way I work that into my diet. There’s also a supplement called Super Seed, which I actually think tastes pretty good.