You got your lipid profile done — now you're staring at a report full of abbreviations. Here's what each number actually means for your heart.
The Main Players
Total Cholesterol
The overall cholesterol in your blood. Desirable: below 200 mg/dL. But this number alone doesn't tell the full story — the breakdown matters more.
LDL — the "Bad" Cholesterol
LDL deposits cholesterol in artery walls, forming plaques that narrow blood vessels. Optimal: below 100 mg/dL. The higher your LDL, the higher your heart attack risk.
HDL — the "Good" Cholesterol
HDL carries cholesterol away from arteries back to the liver. Here, higher is better. Aim for above 40 mg/dL (men) / 50 mg/dL (women).
Triglycerides
Fat circulating in your blood, strongly linked to diet, alcohol and inactivity. Normal: below 150 mg/dL.
The Ratios
Your Total/HDL ratio and LDL/HDL ratio combine the numbers into a single risk indicator — often more meaningful than any single value. A Total/HDL ratio below 4 is generally considered good.
Why High Cholesterol Is Dangerous
High cholesterol produces no symptoms. The first sign is often a heart attack or stroke itself. That's why doctors call it a silent risk — and why yearly testing after age 25 is recommended.
Before Your Test
- Fast for 10–12 hours (water is allowed)
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test
- Schedule morning collection for best accuracy
What If Your Numbers Are High?
Don't panic — and don't self-medicate. Share the report with your doctor. Most mild elevations respond well to dietary changes, exercise and weight management within 3–6 months.
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