How to Measure your Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy material normally found in the blood. Some cholesterol is essential to maintain the structure of your vessel walls, but too much can increase your risk of heart disease. Cholesterol can exist in several different forms and components are measured by themselves to assess your coronary risk. On a doctor’s visit, be sure to ask you r doctor to check your LDL and HDL Cholesterol levels.

Step 1

Fast before the cholesterol test, according to your doctor's instructions. You'll  need to fast about 12 hours before giving blood for the cholesterol test to obtain accurate results. Don’t drink any alcohol for 24 hours before the test.

Step 2

Your doctor will take a blood sample for analysis. A lipid profile consists of a large number of specific cholesterol tests, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

Step 3

Ask your doctor to explain what the results mean.
Total Cholesterol: A total cholesterol level of 200mg per decilitre of blood (mg/dl) is desirable, 200 to 239mg/dl has a borderline risk of heart disease and a total cholesterol level of 240mg/dl or greater has a high coronary risk.
LDL level: The desired LDL level is below 100mg/dl, 100 to 129mg/dl is a near optimal level, 130 to 159mg/dl has a borderline risk and 160 to 189mg/dl has a high risk. An LDL level greater than 190mg/dl carries a very high risk for heart disease.
HDL level: An HDL level greater than 60mg/dl is preferred, a level between 40 and 59mg/dl has a moderate risk and a level below 40mg/dl carries a major coronary risk.

Your doctor can help you to rectify any desired changes in your LDL or HDL levels. You should then check them again in about three months. Ask your doctor’s advice on this.

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