The Facts About Your Cholesterol Test

By MC Kelby HERWriter

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that nearly 50 percent of U.S. adults have unhealthy cholesterol levels. Also, the CDC claimed that more than two-thirds of adults with high cholesterol are not being treated effectively.

Currently, there is one test commonly used by medical professionals to determine if you have high cholesterol. A total cholesterol test is simple blood test performed in your doctor's or health care professional’s office.

A total cholesterol test is also used to determine if you have high cholesterol and if you are at risk for coronary artery disease. High cholesterol has been linked to a risk of stroke and heart attack. As a side note to pregnant women, cholesterol is generally high during your pregnancy.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends to stop eating and drinking nine to 12 hours before your cholesterol test. You can drink water prior to the test. However, other caffeinated beverages like coffee or soda may alter your test results.

According to the NIH:
• The first screening for men is performed between ages 20 - 35
• The first screening for women is performed between ages 20 - 45
• Every five years a follow-up screening is recommended
• Screenings are performed on patients who develop diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or another illness caused by atherosclerosis
• Generally, follow-up testing is conducted as a follow-up to determine if diet and medications are controlling high cholesterol
• After any illness, wait at least six weeks to have a cholesterol test
• Women should wait at least six weeks until after their baby is born to have a cholesterol test.

A total cholesterol test results include a lipid profile. The lipid profile includes high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride test results.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as good cholesterol. Target HDL test results are:
• Low risk or desirable: Greater than 40 mg/dL
• Intermediate risk: 31-40 mg/dL
• Moderately high risk: 25-30 mg/dL
• High risk: Less than 25 mg/dL

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is known as bad cholesterol. Target LDL test results are as follows:
• Low risk or desirable: Less than 130 mg/dL
• Intermediate risk: 131-160 mg/dL
• Moderately high risk: 161-190 mg/dL
• High risk: Over 190 mg/dL

Other LDL test results for those with heart disease or diabetes are:
• If you have heart disease or diabetes: Less than 100 mg/dL
• If you have an intermediate risk of heart disease (two or more risk factors): Less than 130 mg/dL
• If you have a low risk for heart disease (zero to one risk factor): Less than 160 mg/dL

The following are results for your total cholesterol reading:
• Low risk or desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL
• Moderate risk: 200-240 mg/dL
• High risk: Over 240 mg/dL

If you have any questions about your total cholesterol reading, contact your primary physician. Your physician can explain the results and discuss a possible diagnosis.

Sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003492.htm
http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/high-blood-cholesterol-and-triglycerides/overview.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41371169/ns/health-heart_health/

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.