Cholesterol And Triglycerides Tests: Results
Content provided by Healthwise
Results
Cholesterol and triglyceride tests are blood tests that measure the total amount of fatty substances (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.
Results are usually available within 24 hours.
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels vary according to your age and sex. Results may also vary from lab to lab.
Total cholesterol | Desirable: |
|
| Borderline high: |
|
| High: |
|
HDL cholesterol | High (desirable): |
|
| Acceptable: |
|
| Low (undesirable): |
|
Total cholesterol-to-HDL ratio | Desirable: |
|
| Undesirable: |
|
LDL cholesterol | Optimal: |
|
| Near optimal: |
|
| Borderline high: |
|
| High: |
|
| Very high: |
|
VLDL cholesterol | Optimal: |
|
Triglycerides | Normal: |
|
| Borderline high: |
|
| High: |
|
| Very high: |
|
* The figures in this table are provided by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). |
|
|
- An HDL level of 60 mg/dL (1.5 mmol/L) or higher protects against heart disease.
- HDL cholesterol levels of 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) or lower increase your risk of developing heart disease, especially if you also have high total cholesterol levels.
- Very high cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be caused by an inherited form of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia).
- If you have a very high risk of having a heart attack, your doctor may want your LDL level to be less than 70 mg/dL. You have a very high risk if you smoke and have coronary artery disease, or if you have coronary artery disease and diabetes, acute coronary syndrome, or metabolic syndrome.
Many conditions can affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Your health professional will talk with you about any abnormal results that may be related to your other health problems.
| Last updated: | September 13, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS |
| Reviewed By: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Related Articles
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
