Health Tips – How is my cholesterol level measured?
Health Tips – How is my cholesterol level measured?
Because high cholesterol has no symptoms, you must have a cholesterol blood test to determine if your levels are higher than normal. A cholesterol test will measure:
- LDL cholesterol levels
- HDL cholesterol levels
- Triglyceride levels
- The total amount of cholesterol in your blood
- The ratio of HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol in your blood
The results of the test will tell your doctor if your cholesterol levels are:
- Within normal, healthy limits
- Slightly higher than normal – your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes
- Much higher than normal – your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and medication to lower your cholesterol levels
It’s important to remember that cholesterol levels can change with time. The results of one test may not accurately represent the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Your doctor will also take your age, sex and heart disease risk factors into consideration before recommending a healthy cholesterol level for you