Cholesterol levels
Lipoproteins VLDL, LDL, HDL are made up of cholesterol, protein, triglyceride in varying amounts. LDL contains mainly cholesterol, HDL contains mainly protein, VLDL contains mainly triglycerides.
Your complete lipoprotein test report will indicate the following five parameters
- Total cholesterol level
- High density lipoprotein level (Good cholesterol)
- Low density lipoprotein level (Bad cholesterol)
- Triglyceride level
- Very low density lipo protein
Cholesterol levels will be mentioned in test report as mg/dl which means milligrams per 100ml.
Total cholesterol level
- Normal = Less than 200mg/dl
- Border high = 200 to 239 mg/dl
- High = 240 mg/dl and over
High density lipoprotein level (Good cholesterol)
Higher the HDL is the better. Lower then 40mg/dl for men and lower than 50mg/dl for woman is considered as the risk for heart disease.
The normal levels are
HDL levels 60mg/dl will give some protection against the heart disease.
Low density lipoprotein level (Bad cholesterol)
Higher the LDL numbers higher the risk for heart disease.
LDL cholesterol levels are as follows
- Normal = Less than 100mg/dl
- Above normal = 100 to 129 mg/dl
- Border high = 130 to 159 mg/dl
- Very high = 190 mg/dl and above
Triglyceride level
Triglycerides are a form of fat. With higher the triglycerides level there is a chance of higher total cholesterol levels.
Triglycerides levels are as follows
- Normal = less than 150 mg/dL
- Border – High = 150–199 mg/dL
Very low density lipo protein (VLDL)
Normal values for low density lipo protein are 5 to 40 mg per 100ml
Apart from the cholesterol level we need to take into consideration of following to know the risk levels for heart disease.
Next page: Super foods that lower cholesterol level
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: June 18, 2012