Lipid Levels – The Risk of Arteriosclerosis

Blood test which checks for total cholesterol levels, which are linked to heart and blood vessel disease. The goal is to have less than 200mg for the best results.  One should not eat or drink (except water), or fast, 12 hours before taking the test.

Too much cholesterol leads to coronary artery disease and is related to foods consumed or to genetic conditions.  The right amount of cholesterol is needed, however, to keep the body healthy.   Animal products affect levels in the blood, so take note.

The doctor will be looking at the following levels after the results come back from the blood sample.

High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) “Good Cholesterol”- goal is 40 mg or higher.   Removes the excess cholesterol from the blood and takes it to the liver.

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) “Bad Cholesterol” – goal is less than 70 mg.   Called bad cholesterol since it picks up the cholesterol from the blood and it passes into the cells.

Triglycerides (TG) Levels increase with fatty foods.  Goal is less than 150 mg.   Increases by eating sugars, fat or too much alcohol.