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Author: Ken MacKenzie
As part of your regular checkup, it is likely that the doctor will order bloodwork that among other things will measure your levels of total cholesterol and also High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). Should the numbers show outside of the normal range, your doctor may ask for a fasting cholesterol test. For this, you won't eat or drink other than water for twelve hours prior to the test. This test will show your Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels, in addition to the total cholesterol and HDL.
The National Cholesterol Education Program has presented goal cholesterol levels, which are as follows:
Total Cholesterol Level (mg/dl)
Desirable: Below 200
Borderline: 200-239
Undesirable: 240 and above
LDL Cholesterol (mg/dl)
Desirable: Below 100
Above Average: 100-129
Borderline: 130-159
Undesirable: 160-189
Very Undesirable: 190 and above
HDL Cholesterol (mg/dl)
Desirable: Above 60
Borderline: 40-60
Undesirable: Below 40
Serum Triglycerides (mg/dl)
Normal: Below 150
Borderline: 150-199
Undesirable: 200-499
Very Undesirable: 500 or above
Some laboratories will calculate the cholesterol ratio (total/HDL), but it is far more important to get the individual numbers for the total cholesterol, HDL and LDL. Notice that lower numbers are desirable for everything except HDL. The high density lipoproteins are known as good cholesterol. If your HDL levels are lower than 40 mg/dl, you can increase them by
Quitting smoking
Losing weight
Getting physically active for at least 30-60 minutes per day.
Your cholesterol levels, along with your other risk factors will determine the course of action that your physician will recommend. Some of these risk factors are:
Obesity
Family history
Lack of physical activity
Age
Sex
Alcohol consumption
Stress
Body shape
Diabetes
Smoking
Some of these factors you have no control over, such as age, family history and sex. But you need to take care of business with the others. Quitting smoking is a given. Adding exercise to your daily schedule can help you with multiple factors, including reducing weight, reducing stress and lowering cholesterol levels. Watch your diet by eating less saturated fats and trans fats.
Another alternative treatment method is medication. There are many to choose from, prescription and non-prescription, but there may be side effects or they may react unfavorably with other medicines that you are taking. Be sure to check with your physician before trying any of these.
Make sure to check with your physician before starting any new diet or exercise regimen.
Copyright 2005, K. MacKenzie
About the Author: Ken is a successful writer and online entrepreneur. He has developed http://www.lower-your-cholesterol.net as a portal for presenting articles, information, resources and links about lowering your cholesterol.
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