If you've just had your cholesterol checked, you've taken what for many people is the first major step to understanding their risk of heart disease. The numbers may be confusing, but here is what they can mean.
Total Cholesterol
Less than 200 mg/dL* – Desirable
If your total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL, your risk for heart attack is relatively low, but experts still recommend following a heart-healthy diet, getting regular exercise and avoiding smoking.
It's suggested to have your cholesterol rechecked in five years, or more often if you are a man over 45 years of age or a woman over 55 years.
200-239 mg/dL – Borderline high
If your cholesterol is in the borderline to high category, but you have high HDL ("good") cholesterol and no other risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may only recommend that you to follow a heart -healthy diet and include physical activity in your day. For some people, these kinds of results are normal.
Greater than or equal to 240 mg/dL – High
If your cholesterol is greater than 240 mg/dL, your doctor will most likely be more aggressive about treating your cholesterol levels. He or she may order additional tests to figure out the best way of managing your risk.
LDL Cholesterol: The "Bad" Kind
- Less than 100 mg/dL – Optimal
- 100-129 mg/dL – Near optimal/above optimal
- 130-159 mg/dL – Borderline high
- 160-189 mg/dL – High
- 190 mg/dL and above – Very high
Research has shown that LDL levels are more accurate signs of risk for heart disease than total cholesterol. The first approach is to lower LDL cholesterol with a healthy diet and exercise, but sometimes, depending upon other risk factors, doctors will prescribe medication along with diet and exercise.
HDL Cholesterol: The "Good" Kind
- Greater than or equal to 60 mg/dL – High
- Men: Less than 40 mg/dL – Low
- Women: Less than 50 mg/dL – Low
In general, men have lower HDL cholesterol than women, but women might see their HDLs drop during menopause. People can help increase their HDL levels by not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, and being physically active on a regular basis.
Doctors may interpret test results slightly differently if you have other additional risk factors for heart disease. Definitely ask your doctor to clarify his or her reading of the numbers if they don't make sense to you.
*Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL).
How can we help?
3 grams of soluble fibre daily from whole grain oat foods, like original Cheerios* and Honey Nut Cheerios* cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Original Cheerios* cereal provides 1 gram per serving; Honey Nut Cheerios* cereal provides 0.75 gram per serving.