The very mention of the word “Cholesterol” brings scare to our minds and visual streaming of a patient with an impending heart attack. But there is more to cholesterol than the attached stigma!! Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of the body.
Cholesterol can act both as a friend and foe, At normal levels, it contributes towards the essential functions of the body like hormones & vitamin D synthesis, the composition of cell walls structure and preparation of digestive juices in bile acids. At elevated levels, it deposits in the blood vessels, acting a silent buildup for a potential heart attack.
If you want to watch a video regarding cholesterol, then go to the link mentioned just below.
Before getting to know what those numbers in lipid profile test indicate, here are few facts about cholesterol that one must know:
HDL and LDL are nothing but lipoproteins that act as carriers for cholesterol through the bloodstream.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins; “bad” cholesterol) gets its name as it leads to cholesterol buildup in blood vessels, leading to plaque formation (thick, hard deposit) that can clog arteries and make them less flexible, and prone to heart attack and stroke.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoproteins; “good” cholesterol) is named as the good cholesterol, as it helps in removal of LDL from the arteries and sends it back to the liver for metabolism and removal. So, a healthy lipid profile reflects optimal levels of HDL/LDL and the fine balance between the two.
Another essential component in the lipid profile is triglyceride, which is the most common occurring body fat. A high triglyceride level along with low HDL/high LDL leads to atherosclerosis, and predisposes the body to heart attack and stroke.
A standard lipid profile or panel test reflects the blood serum values of various lipoproteins, reflecting values (in mg/dL) for low levels, optimal levels, low risk and high risk levels, and depending on these values, future course for treatment is devised (lifestyle management/diet changes and medication).
If you want to watch a video regarding cholesterol then go to the link mentioned just below.
- Total Cholesterol Levels: It indicate composite levels of HDL/LDL/ 20% of your triglycerides levels; should lie between 0-199; 200- 239 Borderline High and >/= 240 High. Values above 199 indicate a red flag, implicating immediate action.
- Triglycerides: Are considered normal if <150; 150 – 199 Borderline High, 200-499-high and >/= 240 Very High; Low fat diet can help keep a check on these numbers.
- HDL levels: < 40 is low and >/= 60: High; The higher the score (60 or more), better the ability to lower down risk of heart disease.
- LDL levels: /= 190 Very High; The treatment objective for heart patients to reach values below 70; for high-risk individuals (multiple risk factors for heart disease) is to achieve levels below 100.
- CHOL/HDL Ratio: 3.3 – 4.4 Low Risk; 4.5 – 7.0 Average Risk; 7.1 – 11.0 Moderate Risk; > 11.0 High Risk.
- LDL/HDL Ratio: 0.5 – 3.0 Desirable/Low Risk; 3.1 – 6.0 Borderline/Moderate Risk; >6.0 High Risk.
- Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL): High The essence of a healthy lipoprotein profile is to keep a check on reaching alarming levels of these values (except HDL, where higher values are beneficial).
Anytime, the levels increase, it is a good idea to consult a cardiologist for the same.
Also, the next time you dream of a double cheeseburger, make sure your heart skips a beat.