Cholesterol Test Result - Interpreting The Numbers

A blood test to determine cholesterol levels is one of the more useful  tests an adult can undertake. Cholesterol test results are essentially an indicator of potential trouble lying ahead and thus are a useful preventative care tool. Normally, a cholesterol test is done to get a lipoprotein profile.

Role Of Cholesterol

Most cholesterol is made in the liver. It is a fatty, waxy substance that enters your bile where it gets absorbed and from there is sent via your blood stream to cells. Cholesterol is vital to the body in many ways but in terms of the cells it gives the cell wall solidity. In addition, cholesterol also plays an important role in making hormones and strengthening a person’s nervous system.

Bad cholesterol or LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol can cause plaque build-up in the arteries thereby restricting free flow of the blood to the heart (among other things) to subsequently cause heart attacks and other diseases of the heart.

New guidelines suggest that people over 20 should now get cholesterol tests. This was often considered the reserve of middle aged people or 40 plus. Given the change in lifestyles, be it poor diets, lack of exercise or excess stress this age limit has been lowered.

In addition, it is also important that you understand the ramifications of different cholesterol test results. Based on the readings of a cholesterol test you may need to make alterations to your lifestyle and also make other changes to ensure that your next cholesterol test results show signs of improvement.

Cholesterol test results will show you different cholesterol numbers including for LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides as a total cholesterol reading. Obviously, cholesterol test results that show high level of HDL (good cholesterol) will be reason to feel happy. Low readings of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides will also be cause for cheer.

Typically, cholesterol test results that show that your LDL cholesterol level is below 100 are ideal while a reading of below 130 is also acceptable. On the other hand, a cholesterol test result reading in regard to LDL that is 130 or above is reason for concern. A cholesterol test result reading for HDL that is more than sixty mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter of blood) is also good news. However  if these levels fall below forty mg/dl you would be advised to increase your good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

If you are doing your own home cholesterol test you must have a good understanding of what kind of numbers are good, bad or borderline. This also depends on the type of kit you are using. Some may not return a figure but rather a color to indicate good or bad. They are essentially pre-test kits that will motivate you to get a proper blood cholesterol test done by your doctor. Accurate testers that return a number are generally used by people that are well aware of their cholesterol condition and need to monitor any changes without going to the doctor each time.

It pays to also look beyond the actual cholesterol test results and try to pinpoint why the levels are high (if they are high that is). apart from the obvious lifestyle factors, you should look at your medical history to help you identify where the problem lies that is causing your cholesterol levels to be above or on the borderline of an acceptable cholesterol reading.