Cholesterol Levels: How to Interpret Cholesterol Test Results

Cholesterol levels are a key part of your health, and measuring them is particularly important in assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol is a fatty compound that the body needs, among other things, as a building block for cell membranes and in hormone production. However, excessive cholesterol levels in the blood can be harmful and lead to serious health issues such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. In this article, we will comprehensively discuss the measurement of cholesterol levels, interpretation of results, reference values, and what high cholesterol levels may indicate.

Cholesterol is usually measured through a blood test that provides information about blood fat levels.Such a test is often known as a lipid profile test or cholesterol measurement, and it measures the following three main values:

 1. Total cholesterol: This is the sum of all types of cholesterol in the blood. Total cholesterol includes both LDL and HDL cholesterol as well as other fats, such as triglycerides.

 2. LDL cholesterol:  Also known as "bad cholesterol," because excessive amounts can lead to plaque formation in the walls of arteries, causing narrowing and hardening of the arteries. High LDL cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

 3.HDL cholesterol:  Known as "good cholesterol," it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver, where cholesterol is broken down and eliminated from the body. High HDL cholesterol is often a sign of good heart health.

 4. Triglycerides:  Triglycerides are a type of fat that is stored in the body for energy. High triglyceride levels, along with high cholesterol, can increase the risk of heart and vascular diseases.

When you receive cholesterol values from a blood test, they are compared to reference values that define normal cholesterol levels.Reference values may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the country, but the generally accepted reference values are as follows:

•  Total cholesterol: Less than 5.0 mmol/l

•  LDL cholesterol:  Less than 3.0 mmol/l (the target may be lower for high-risk individuals, e.g., less than 2.5 mmol/l or even less than 1.8 mmol/l)

•  HDL cholesterol:  More than 1.0 mmol/l for men and more than 1.2 mmol/l for women

•  Triglycerides:  Less than 1.7 mmol/l

These reference values are used to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and they can assist doctors in determining whether treatment or lifestyle changes are necessary.

Total cholesterol measures all types of cholesterol in the blood combined, including both "bad" LDL cholesterol and "good" HDL cholesterol. While total cholesterol can provide an overview of cholesterol levels, it is not sufficient on its own to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases. For example, a person with high HDL cholesterol and low LDL cholesterol may still have a high total cholesterol value, but their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is lower.

The reference value for total cholesterol is generally below 5.0 mmol/l. If the value exceeds this, your doctor may recommend a more detailed assessment, such as the separation of LDL and HDL cholesterol, as well as lifestyle changes or medication to lower cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol is known as "bad cholesterol" because it can accumulate in the walls of arteries and cause plaque formation. These plaques harden over time and narrow the arteries, which restricts blood flow and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The reference value for LDL cholesterol is less than 3.0 mmol/l, but for high-risk individuals, such as those with heart disease or diabetes, the target LDL level may be less than 2.5 mmol/l or even less than 1.8 mmol/l.

If the LDL cholesterol level is above the reference value, it may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.This may be due to hereditary factors, diet, lack of exercise, or other health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure. High LDL cholesterol typically requires lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet, regular exercise, and possibly medication to lower cholesterol.

HDL cholesterol is known as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood vessels and transports it to the liver, where cholesterol is broken down and eliminated from the body. High HDL cholesterol protects the heart and blood vessels.

The reference value for HDL cholesterol is over 1.0 mmol/l for men and over 1.2 mmol/l for women.Higher HDL cholesterol is better, as it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

If your HDL cholesterol level is below the reference values, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases may be increased. Low HDL cholesterol is often associated with unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise. HDL levels can be increased through a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and avoiding smoking.

Triglycerides are a type of fat that is stored in the body for energy. High triglyceride levels are often associated with excessive calorie intake, particularly from sugary and fatty foods. High triglycerides can, together with high cholesterol, increase the risk of heart disease.

The reference value for triglycerides is below 1.7 mmol/l. If triglycerides are elevated, it may be due to overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, or certain medications. Lowering elevated triglyceride levels often requires lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet and weight loss.

When cholesterol levels exceed reference values, it means that your body may be more susceptible to the development of cardiovascular diseases.The increase in different cholesterol values may indicate various risks:

 High total cholesterol:  If total cholesterol exceeds 5.0 mmol/l, you may have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially if LDL cholesterol is high and HDL cholesterol is low.

 High LDL cholesterol:  A value over 3.0 mmol/l in LDL cholesterol indicates an increased risk of heart attack and atherosclerosis. LDL plaque can narrow blood vessels and cause serious complications, such as heart attack or stroke.

 Low HDL cholesterol:  If HDL cholesterol falls below reference values, the risk of vascular blockages and other heart diseases increases.This may also reflect unhealthy lifestyles that negatively affect heart health.

 High triglycerides:  If triglycerides exceed 1.7 mmol/l, it may indicate the presence of metabolic syndrome or other risk factors, such as diabetes, which increases the risk of heart disease.

Improving cholesterol levels is best achieved through lifestyle changes. Here are some ways you can improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases:

Diet is a key factor in managing cholesterol levels.Reduce the intake of saturated fats (such as fatty meat and butter) and trans fats (such as industrial baked goods). Instead, favor vegetable oils, such as olive oil, as well as fiber-rich foods like oats, barley, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. These help lower LDL cholesterol and improve HDL cholesterol.

Regular physical activity helps improve HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. The goal should be at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as walking, cycling, or swimming.

Quitting smoking significantly improves HDL cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Smoking damages vascular health and promotes the development of atherosclerosis.

Reducing overweight, especially abdominal obesity, helps lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while improving HDL cholesterol levels.

If lifestyle changes are not sufficient to lower cholesterol levels, medication may be necessary. Statins are the most commonly used medications that lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Cholesterol levels are an important part of assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Values measured by blood tests, such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, provide a comprehensive picture of blood fat levels and help evaluate your heart health.Exceeding the reference values for cholesterol levels may indicate an increased risk of heart disease and often requires lifestyle changes or medication.

By maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and managing your weight, you can significantly improve your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels is crucial for maintaining health, and it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for interpreting the results.