Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Get a blood test
• Method 2 of 3: Determine the types of cholesterol
• Method 3 of 3: Interpret total cholesterol levels
• Warnings
• Sources

Cholesterol is a fatty substance, also known as lipid, that circulates in the blood of humans and all animals. It is found in certain foods, such as meat and dairy products, and is also produced in the body. Cholesterol is essential for maintaining the outer membrane of cells, but in excessive amounts it is harmful to health. High cholesterol levels are closely associated with atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries are covered with a fatty substance from the inside.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Get a blood test

1. 1 Check your blood cholesterol levels regularly. Doctors usually advise all patients to have a blood test every five years, and patients who are at risk for heart disease to be tested even more often.
2. 2 Before taking a blood test for cholesterol, follow all your doctor's instructions. As a rule, nothing should be eaten 9 - 12 hours before the test so that the level of cholesterol in the blood decreases to its minimum value. From a blood sample taken, many different tests can usually be done in addition to cholesterol.
3. 3 Cholesterol levels are expressed as milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg / dl). This unit is usually omitted, so a cholesterol level of 200 implies a concentration of 200 mg / dL.

Method 2 of 3: Determine the types of cholesterol

1. 1 Total cholesterol is the concentration of all types of cholesterol in the blood. These types include high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Triglycerides are an integral part of dietary fats and are commonly referred to in relation to cholesterol levels.
2. 2 Pay attention to VLDL. They are thought to transport cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body through the circulatory system. LDL is associated with an increased health risk, which is why it is called "bad cholesterol".
3. 3 Pay attention to HDL. HDL transports cholesterol from the bloodstream back to the liver and reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood. HDL is commonly referred to as "good cholesterol".

Method 3 of 3: Interpret total cholesterol levels

1. 1 Consider which total cholesterol level is more desirable overall. Cholesterol levels less than 200 mg / dL are ideal; a level in the range of 200 to 240 mg / dl indicates a borderline risk of heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol levels greater than 240 mg / dL indicate a high risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, doctors also consider other factors when assessing the significance of cholesterol levels. However, doctors will also consider other factors when assessing cholesterol levels.
2. 2 Assess your LDL cholesterol level. An LDL level below 100 mg / dL is considered ideal. A level between 100 and 129 mg / dL is close to optimal; 130 to 159 mg / dL - borderline high; 160 to 189 mg / dL - high LDL. An LDL level above 189 mg / dL is considered extremely high.
3. 3 Check your HDL levels. HDL levels over 60 mg / dL are considered ideal. Levels between 40 and 59 mg / dL are associated with borderline risk; HDL levels below 40 mg / dL are associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Warnings

• Blood cholesterol should only be used as a guideline and should be evaluated by healthcare professionals when assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Sources

• http://www.medicinenet.com/cholesterol/article.htm
• http://cholesterol.emedtv.com/cholesterol/cholesterol-levels.html