Cholesterol is a fatty substance, also known as a lipid, which circulates in the blood of humans and other animals. It can be found in certain types of food, such as meat and dairy products, but it is also produced by our body. Cholesterol is essential for maintaining the outer membrane of cells, but in excessive quantities it can be dangerous. High cholesterol levels have a strong link with arteriosclerosis, a disease that causes arteries to become covered with fatty materials.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Blood Drawing
Step 1. Get your blood cholesterol checked at regular intervals
Normally, doctors recommend that patients with an average risk of contracting heart disease get checked every five years; more often, in cases of greater risk.
Step 2. Before taking a blood sample for a cholesterol test, fast as directed by your doctor
You will usually need to fast for between 9 and 12 hours to allow your cholesterol level to drop to low levels. Generally, a blood sample will be subjected to several different tests, in addition to that for cholesterol.
Step 3. The cholesterol level is expressed by the number of milligrams of cholesterol present in a deciliter of blood (mg / dl)
Normally the unit of measurement is not indicated, so a cholesterol level of 200 indicates a concentration of 200 mg / dl.
Method 2 of 3: Define the Types of Cholestrol
Step 1. Consider the total cholesterol level as the concentration of all types of cholesterol in the blood
These types include high-density lipoproteins (known as HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). Triglycerides are a component of the fats in our diet and are usually taken into account in conjunction with cholesterol levels.
Step 2. Pay attention to LDLs
These lipoporoteins carry cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. LDLs are linked to a high risk of heart disease and, as a result, they are referred to as "bad cholesterol".
Step 3. Pay attention to HDLs
HDLs transport cholesterol to the liver and reduce the amount present in the blood. They are commonly referred to as "good cholestrol".
Method 3 of 3: Interpret the Total Cholesterol Level
Step 1. Your total cholesterol level should be low
An ideal cholesterol level is less than 200 mg / dl, while one between 200 and 240 mg / dl indicates the limit relative to the risk of contracting heart disease and stroke. A cholesterol level above 240 mg / dl is associated with a high risk of heart disease and stroke. However, doctors also take other factors into consideration when assessing the importance of cholesterol levels.
Step 2. Assess your LDL level
The one considered ideal is less than 100 mg / dl. A level between 100 and 129 mg / dl is almost optimal, one between 130 and 159 mg / dl is at the limit, while between 160 and 189 mg / dl is considered a high level. An LDL level above 189 mg / dl is very high.
Step 3. Examine the HDL level
The one considered ideal is higher than 60 mg / dl. If it is between 40 and 59 mg / dl it is at the limit, while if it is lower than 40 mg / dl it carries a considerable risk of contracting heart disease.
