Also known as low-density lipoprotein, LDL cholesterol naturally circulates in the blood. Excessive amounts can slowly build up on the arteries' walls and cause plaque to form. Because excessive LDL buildup can cause heart disease or a heart attack, it is important to keep your LDL cholesterol in optimal levels, which is lower than 100 mg/dL
Lipid Profile
The first step to assessing if your LDL level falls within proper guidelines is to have your LDL level tested. This can be performed through a blood test known as a lipid profile. This test measures the amounts of total cholesterol, HDL (which is considered the "good" cholesterol because it removes LDL from the veins), LDL and triglyceride levels in the blood. Because the LDL level is affected by the foods you have most recently eaten, adults over age 20 should fast before taking the blood test.
In addition to your LDL cholesterol number, your doctor will ask you if you have any risk factors, such as being a smoker, having diabetes, or having been diagnosed with heart disease. These can be used with cholesterol levels to measure risk and determine treatment.
Understanding the Results
When you receive the results for your LDL level, it should be measured in milligrams per deciliter in the blood. The National Cholesterol Education Program makes the following recommendations concerning LDL levels:
Optimal
Less than 100 mg/dL
Near Optimal/Above Optimal
100 to 129 mg/dL
Borderline High
130 to 159 mg/dL
High
160 to 189 mg/dL
Very High*
Measurements over 189 mg/dL
* Very high-risk patients also have the risk factors mentioned earlier, such as diabetes.
Using these LDL guidelines is one of the best ways to predict a person's risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Treatment Recommendations
For those whose levels are low enough to be in optimal ranges, the American Heart Association recommends re-testing at least every five years to ensure a person is still within the range of healthy cholesterol levels.
For higher LDL cholesterol levels, the National Cholesterol Education Program offers the following treatment guidelines:
Patients with an LDL level of 100 or higher with an additional risk factor should receive cholesterol-lowering medications and aim for an LDL of less than 70 mg/dL.
High-risk patients with an LDL of 130 mg/dL or higher should use cholesterol-lowering drugs with a goal of 100 to 129 mg/dL using medications.
Patients that fall within these guidelines also should make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, as these also lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Tags: cholesterol levels, heart disease, your level, blood test, Cholesterol Education
