The Missionary Messenger Volume 1- Issue 1 | Page 9

Know What Your Cholesterol Numbers Mean
High cholesterol has no symptoms. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI),
everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every five years. NHLBI
recommends you 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. NHLBI provides the following data for you to see how your
cholesterol numbers compare to the ables below.
Total Cholesterol Level

Category

Less than 200 mg/dL

Desirable

200-239 mg/dL

Borderline High

240 mg/dL and above

High

* Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.
LDL Cholesterol Level

LDL-Cholesterol Category

Less than 100 mg/dL

Optimal

100-129 mg/dL

Near optimal/above optimal

130-159 mg/dL

Borderline high

160-189 mg/dL

High

190 mg/dL and above

Very high

NHLBI suggests that HDL (good) cholesterol protects against heart disease, so for HDL, higher numbers are
better. A level less than 40 mg/dL is low and is considered a major risk factor because it increases your risk
for developing heart disease. HDL levels of 60 mg/dL or more help to lower your risk for heart disease.
Triglycerides can also raise heart disease risk. Levels that are borderline high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200
mg/dL or more) may need treatment in some people.
For more information about lowering cholesterol and lowering your risk for heart disease, write to the
NHLBI Health Information Center, P.O. Box 30105, Bethesda, MD, 20824-0105 or call 301-592-8573, or
visit the Web sites listed below:
www.nhlbi.nih.gov
www.womenshealth.gov/minority-health/african-americans/
www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-cholesterol
Submitted by: Dr. Odessa G. Darrough, Health and Wellness Coordinator, First Episcopal District CME Church