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A lipid profile is a group of tests to determine the risk of coronary artery
disease. These tests have been shown to be good indicators of whether or not
someone is likely to have a heart attack and or stroke caused by blocked
vessels.
LDL cholesterol can accumulate on the walls of arteries and increase the risk of
heart disease and stroke. This is why LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as
the “bad” cholesterol. The lower the LDL cholesterol number the better. A level
of less than 100 is considered optimal. Anything over 160 is considered high.
HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease by taking “bad” cholesterol out
of the blood and keeping it from accumulating in the arteries. HDL cholesterol
is commonly referred to as the “good” cholesterol. The higher the HDL
cholesterol number the better. A level of at least 60 is considered optimal. Men
with less than 40 and women with less than 50 are considered at risk for heart
disease.
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food and in the
body. A high triglyceride level has been linked to the occurrence of coronary
artery disease in some people. Triglyceride levels of less than 150 are
considered normal. Anything over 200 is considered high.
Total cholesterol is a measure of both the HDL and LDL cholesterol and other
lipid components in the blood. Total cholesterol levels of less than 200 are
desirable. Anything over 240 is considered high.
As with all interpretation of medical tests, results are best interpreted by
your physician and are meant to be a guide in determining underlying medical
conditions and individually do not provide diagnosis.
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