CHOLESTEROL NUMBERS

For most people, saturated fat in the diet is regarded as the main factor that raises blood cholesterol levels. Cholesterol in foods can also raise blood cholesterol levels, but less than saturated fat does. Genetic factors can affect blood cholesterol - some people have high cholesterol levels regardless of their saturated fat and cholesterol dietary intake and are at increased risk from coronary heart disease.

Everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a “lipoprotein profile” to find out your cholesterol numbers. This blood test is done after a 9- to 12-hour fast and gives information about your:
■ Total cholesterol
■ LDL (bad) cholesterol – the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries
■ HDL (good) cholesterol – helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries
■ Triglycerides – another form of fat in your blood

If it is not possible to get a lipoprotein profile done, knowing your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can give you a general idea about your cholesterol levels. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL* or more or if your HDL is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to have a lipoprotein profile done. See how your cholesterol numbers compare to the tables below.