What Are Cholesterol Readings?

Cholesterol readings are what you get when you have your cholesterol levels checked. It reveals your total cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels, and gives you an idea of your lipid triglyceride levels. Treatment for cholesterol problems rely heavily on these values.

The only way to confirm whether or not you have high cholesterol levels in the blood stream is through a cholesterol test. Cholesterol readings are the results of any cholesterol test performed. It also applies to home cholesterol tests. Your readings should include a set of values, which reveals your levels of:

Total cholesterol

Low density lipoprotein or LDLs - the "bad" type cholesterol

High density lipoproteins or HDLs - the good type of cholesterol

Triglycerides

Some cholesterol readings also provide a lipid profile where cholesterol ratios are revealed.

Knowing and understanding your cholesterol readings is very important to determine whether or not you are at risk for developing a heart disease. Doctors will also base the urgency and the nature of your treatment through the values revealed in the cholesterol test.

Total Cholesterol

Your readings for total cholesterol will reveal the total amount of cholesterol found in your bloodstream. It is a combination of your HDL, LDL and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) values.

Your total cholesterol number only gives you a general idea of where your cholesterol level stands, but interpretation using total cholesterol readings alone can be quite misleading. It is quite possible to have acceptable total cholesterol values but still be at risk for developing heart disease. For this, most medical practitioners usually depend on HDL and LDL readings more than total cholesterol.

For total cholesterol:

Levels of less than 200 mg/dL is Ideal

Levels of 200-239 mg/dL is Borderline High

Levels of more than 240 mg/dL is considered High

HDL Readings

HDL cholesterols help prevent cholesterol from building up and forming deposits along the arterial walls. Thus, high levels of these "good" cholesterols are desirable. Low HDL readings of below 40 mg/dL may put individuals at a higher risk for heart disease.

As a rule of thumb, the higher our HDL readings are, the better our cardiovascular health. Levels of 60 mg/dL and up are usually considered to be very protective against heart problems.

LDL Readings

LDL bad cholesterols on the other hand, are those that can build-up along arterial walls to cause blockage and narrowing of the arteries. If someone has high LDL values, they are placed at a much greater risk for heart disease.

For LDL cholesterol readings:

Levels of less than 100 mg/dL is Optimal

Levels of 100-129 mg/dL is above Optimal

Levels of 130-159 mg/dL is Borderline High

Levels of 160-189 mg/dL is High

Levels of 190 mg/dL and above is Very High

The higher an individual's LDL readings are, the more urgently they may need cholesterol lowering programs to ensure cholesterol does not do more damage than it might already have.

Triglyceride Readings

Triglycerides are actually not cholesterol, but they are almost always part of the cholesterol readings. Triglycerides are fats that get carried through the bloodstream. High levels of triglyceride can potentially mean higher chances for developing heart disease.

For triglycerides:

Less than 150 mg/dL is Optimal

Levels of 150-199 mg/dL is Borderline High

Values of 200-499 mg/dL is High

Values of 500 mg/dL is Very High

If you want to maintain optimal heart health, talk to your doctor, get moderate exercise, and eat a healthy diet. Part of my own heart-healthy diet is to take a daily capsule of pure fish oil. If I could only take one nutritional supplement to help support a healthy heart and cardiovascular system, it would be fish oil. Find out why. I invite you to learn more about the potential health benefits of this amazing health food.

Susan Goodwin writes about fish oil health benefits at pureconcentratedfishoil.com pureconcentratedfishoil.com where you can get a free report about fish oil and heart health. Be sure to choose a pureconcentratedfishoil.com pure concentrated fish oil supplement that will provide you and your heart all the health benefits possible.