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Trying to decode your cholesterol panel results? Our team of primary care providers at Maniya Health takes the time to review all your lab results with you so you’re never left wondering what they mean.
Take a moment and review our patient’s guide to interpreting your cholesterol panel results.
What is a cholesterol panel?
A cholesterol panel, also called a lipid panel, is a blood test that measures different types of fat in your blood. It typically includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
These numbers help your Maniya Health primary care provider estimate your risk for plaque buildup in your arteries, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
The American Heart Association recommends that adults aged 19 and older have a cholesterol blood test panel.
What is in your cholesterol panel?
Before you can interpret your cholesterol panel as a whole, you should look at each part of your test.
Total cholesterol
This is your “big picture” number. Your total cholesterol gives you an overall snapshot of the cholesterol in your blood, but it doesn’t tell the whole story by itself.
A total cholesterol level above 200 mg/dL may be considered high, but your Maniya Health provider also looks at the breakdown of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides before making any recommendations.
You can also think of total cholesterol as the headline. You need to know the details underneath to fully know what’s going on.
LDL cholesterol
This is the number most people need to watch. LDL is often dubbed the “bad” cholesterol because high levels can contribute to plaque buildup inside your arteries. That plaque can narrow the arteries and raise your risk of heart attack and stroke.
For many adults, an LDL below 100 mg/dL is considered optimal, but your personal goal may be lower if you have higher cardiovascular risk, diabetes, known heart disease, or other risk factors.
This is why two people can have the same LDL number but receive different advice. Your cholesterol results only make sense in the context of your full health picture.
HDL cholesterol
This is the number you want higher. HDL is the opposite of your LDL. It’s the “good” cholesterol because it helps usher cholesterol away from your bloodstream and back to your liver.
Higher HDL levels are generally associated with better heart health. The CDC lists an optimal HDL of at least 40 mg/dL, but keep in mind that we interpret this number alongside your LDL, triglycerides, blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking history, family history, and other risk factors.
That said, HDL doesn’t cancel out high LDL. You still want to address elevated LDL or triglycerides even if your HDL looks strong.
Triglycerides
This number gives a clue about your metabolism. Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. Your body uses them for energy, but high levels can increase your risk of health problems, especially when they co-occur with high LDL or low HDL.
Triglycerides can rise for several reasons, including excess added sugar, alcohol use, insulin resistance, uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, and genetics.
If your triglycerides are elevated, we may ask about your diet, weight changes, activity level, blood sugar, and alcohol intake.
How to interpret your results
When you look at your cholesterol panel, you probably first check your total cholesterol and LDL.
For total cholesterol, your numbers can be optimal, borderline high, or high:
- Below 200 mg/dL: Optimal
- 200–239 mg/dL: Borderline high
- 240 mg/dL or higher: High
For LDL cholesterol, your numbers can be optimal, near optimal, borderline high, high, high, or very high:
- Below 100 mg/dL: Optimal
- 100–129 mg/dL: Near optimal
- 130–159 mg/dL: Borderline high
- 160–189 mg/dL: High
- 190 mg/dL or higher: Very high
HDL cholesterol levels below 40 mg/dL are considered undesirable.
Knowing these numbers absolutely matters, but it’s not the only factor that determines your heart risk. At Maniya Health, your provider may also consider your blood pressure, A1C or blood sugar, weight, family history, smoking status, kidney function, thyroid health, and whether you’ve had prior heart or vascular problems. This helps determine whether lifestyle changes are enough or whether medication may also be appropriate.
What happens if your cholesterol is high?
High cholesterol is common, and it’s manageable.
Your provider may recommend dietary changes, increased physical activity, weight management, improved blood sugar control, or medication, as needed. For many people, the best plan combines several small, realistic changes.
You may also need repeat testing to monitor your progress and see how your body responds.
Take the next step
If you recently had lab work done, or it’s been a while since your last cholesterol check, schedule a visit with Maniya Health. We’ll help you interpret your results and decide what to do next.
Schedule your appointment in Hamilton, Robbinsville, or Hopewell, New Jersey.