Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a necessary steroid lipid (fat), found in all healthy human living cells, that is essential for the body to function properly. However high levels of “bad” cholesterol, specifically LDL and triglycerides, can present significant risks to health. High levels of these lipids build up in the arteries and plaque forms, causing them to narrow leading to atherosclerosis and restricting blood flow.
Levels of cholesterol are affected by dietary habits, heredity factors, activity levels and weight.
Cholesterol Testing
Blood testing is used to determine cholesterol levels. At Stephanos Pavlides Laboratory and Diagnostic Center we test for Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. For an accurate testing one must not drink or eat anything for 9 to 12 hours prior to blood sampling.
Cholesterol testing is an essential part of preventive health care. We recommend that anyone over the age of 20 checks their cholesterol at least once every five years. For patients with high risk for heart disease we recommend getting tested more often and Dr. Pavlides would be happy to discuss this with you. High risk persons are include those that smoke, are of higher age (men over 45, women over 55), have high blood pressure or diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or have had a heart attack.
Method of test used
At our laboratory we used advanced lipoprotein testing and subfractionation to test for Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
Test result parameters
Total results
Less than 200 mg/dL (5.18 mmol/L) > Desirable
From 200-239 mg/dL (5.18 to 6.18 mmol/L) > Moderate risk
Greater than or 240 mg/dL (6.22 mmol/L) > High risk
LDL cholesterol results
Less than 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) > Optimal for people with heart disease
Less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) > Optimal for people at risk of heart disease
From 100-129 mg/dL (2.6 to 3.3 mmol/L) > Near optimal
From 130-159 mg/dL (3.4 to 4.1 mmol/L) > Moderate risk
From 160-189 mg/dL (4.1 to 4.9 mmol/L) > High risk
Greater than or 190 mg/dL (4.9 mmol/L) > Very high risk
HDL cholesterol results
MEN: Below 40 mg/dL ( 1 mmol/L) > Poor
WOMEN: Below 50 mg/dL ( 1.3 mmol/L) > Poor
From 50-59 mg/dL (1.3 to 1.5 mmol/L) > Better
Greater than or 60 mg/dL (1.5 mmol/L) > Best
Triglycerides
Less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) > Desirable
From 150-199 mg/dL (1.7 to 2.2 mmol/L) > Moderate risk
From 200-499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L) > High risk
Greater than or 500 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) > Very high risk
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cholesterol/tab/test
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9152.php
http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/foods-highest-in-cholesterol.php