What Your Cholesterol Screening Results Mean

Cholesterol screenings are an important part of your annual exam. In fact, your results can shed light on your risk factors for having a heart attack or stroke. So, if you’ve recently had your cholesterol checked, understanding your results can help you take steps to improve your heart health.

Read on as Dr. N'Dama Bamba, MD, MPH, breaks down what your cholesterol screening results mean and how she can help regulate your levels.

Break down your cholesterol levels

A cholesterol screening typically includes several key measurements: total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. 

Total cholesterol

Your total cholesterol measures the total amount of cholesterol — the good and the bad — in your blood. A healthy range is generally below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A borderline high reading is 200-239 mg/DL, and anything higher is considered high total cholesterol. 

About 86 million American adults have total cholesterol levels over 200 mg/DL, and 25 million have over 240 mg/DL. 

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol

LDL can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and lead to a condition called atherosclerosis. Because LDL contributes to plaque buildup, it’s sometimes referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. 

If a plaque deposit ruptures, it can trigger the formation of a blood clot. If the clot blocks an artery supplying your heart, it can cause a heart attack. If it blocks an artery supplying your brain, it can lead to a stroke.

An optimal level is below 100 mg/dL — this is an especially important goal if you already have a chronic disease like diabetes or heart disease.

A near-optimal reading is 100-129 mg/dL, a borderline reading is 130-159 mg/dL, and a high is anything above those levels.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol

HDL — often called the "good" cholesterol — pulls excess cholesterol out of your bloodstream. It’s then directed to your liver so it can be processed and eliminated from your body. This is the only cholesterol reading that you want to be high. A healthy level is 60 mg/dL or higher.

Triglycerides

Your body needs some triglycerides — a type of fat called lipids — because they store excess energy from your food. However, if you have too many lipids circulating in your blood, you have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

Your triglyceride levels can fall into one of the following categories: healthy (below 150 mg/dL), borderline high (between 150 and 199 mg/dL), high (between 200 and 499 mg/dL), or very high (above 500 mg/dL). 

What your numbers mean for your health

After your cholesterol results are in, Dr. Bamba discusses them with you so you’ll understand exactly what your cholesterol levels mean and what (if any) changes you need to make. 

In general, here’s what your cholesterol screening results mean:

If your numbers fall in the normal range

If your numbers fall within the recommended ranges, continue maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine checkups.

If your numbers are borderline high

If your LDL is between 130-159 mg/dL or your total cholesterol is between 200-239 mg/dL, it’s time to make lifestyle adjustments, such as eating healthier fats, increasing fiber intake, and staying active.

If your numbers are high or very high 

LDL levels above 160 mg/dL or total cholesterol above 240 mg/dL indicate a higher risk for heart disease. Dr. Bamba may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or both to help manage your cholesterol.

Steps to improve your cholesterol

Whether you want to maintain good cholesterol levels or lower them, you can take several easy steps to improve your cholesterol levels. 

• Add more fiber-rich foods, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to your diet
• Limit saturated and trans fats
• Log at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week
• Lose weight (if you’re overweight, even a modest weight loss can have benefits on your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels)
• Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, Dr. Bamba may prescribe medication to help lower cholesterol. If you take medication, take it as directed and avoid grapefruit (if instructed to do so).

Dr. Bamba can also help you lose weight and manage underlying conditions — all of which can impact your cholesterol.

To schedule an annual exam or a cholesterol screening, click here or give us a call at 443-493-7760.