Ldl cholesterol normal range

Does this test have other names? Lipid profile, lipoprotein profile What is this test? This group of tests measures the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood. Cholesterol and triglycerides are lipids, or fats. These fats are important for cell health, but they can be harmful when they build up in the blood. Sometimes they can lead to clogged, inflamed arteries, a condition call atherosclerosis. This may keep your heart from working normally if the arteries of your heart muscle are affected. This panel of tests helps predict your risk for heart disease and stroke. A lipid panel measures these fats: • Total cholesterol • LDL ("bad") cholesterol • HDL ("good") cholesterol • Triglycerides, another type of fat that causes hardening of the arteries Why do I need this test? You may need this panel of tests if you have a family history of heart disease or stroke. You may also have this test if your healthcare provider believes you're at risk for heart disease. These are risk factors: • High blood pressure • Diabetes or prediabetes • Overweight or obesity • Smoking • Lack of exercise • Diet of unhealthy foods • Stress • High total cholesterol If you are already being treated for heart disease, you may have this test to see whether treatment is working. What other tests might I have along with this test? Your healthcare provider may also order other tests to look at how well your heart is working. These tests may include: • Electrocardiogram, or ECG, which tests your he...

Generally you're required to fast, consuming no food or liquids other than water, for nine to 12 hours before the test. Some cholesterol tests don't require fasting, so follow your doctor's instructions. Interpreting the numbers In the United States, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. In Canada and many European countries, cholesterol levels are measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). To interpret your test results, use these general guidelines. Total cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) Total cholesterol* (Canada and most of Europe) Results *Canadian and European guidelines differ slightly from U.S. guidelines. These conversions are based on U.S. guidelines. Below 200 mg/dL Below 5.2 mmol/L Desirable 200-239 mg/dL 5.2-6.2 mmol/L Borderline high 240 mg/dL and above Above 6.2 mmol/L High LDL cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) LDL cholesterol* (Canada and most of Europe) Results *Canadian and European guidelines differ slightly from U.S. guidelines. These conversions are based on U.S. guidelines. Below 70 mg/dL Below 1.8 mmol/L Best for people who have coronary artery disease — including a history of heart attacks, angina, stents or coronary bypass. Below 100 mg/dL Below 2.6 mmol/L Optimal for people at risk of coronary artery disease or who have diabetes. Near optimal for people with uncomplicated coronary artery disease. 100-129 mg/dL 2.6-3.3 mmol/L Near optimal if there is no coronary artery di...

LDL is the “bad cholesterol” because too much of it in your blood can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries. Foods with high amounts of saturated fat (like full-fat dairy and red meat) can raise your LDL. A heart-healthy diet, exercise and quitting tobacco use can help lower your LDL. For most people, a normal LDL level is below 100 mg/dL. What is LDL? LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. It’s a type of Lipoproteins are particles made of lipids (fats) and proteins that carry fats through your bloodstream. Fats, because of their structure, can’t move through your blood on their own. So, lipoproteins serve as vehicles that carry fats to various cells in your body. LDL particles contain a large amount of cholesterol and a smaller amount of proteins. What is LDL cholesterol? Most people use “LDL” and “LDL cholesterol” interchangeably. LDL cholesterol has a reputation for being the “bad cholesterol.” But that’s only part of the story. LDL cholesterol itself isn’t bad. That’s because Excess LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup ( • • • • This is why healthcare providers encourage you to have a healthy level of LDL cholesterol. What is the LDL cholesterol normal range? Most adults should keep their LDL below 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). If you have a history of atherosclerosis, your LDL should be below 70 mg/dL. What is a bad level for LDL? An LDL level above 100 mg/dL raises your risk of cardiovascular disease. Healthcare providers use the following c...