What Do My Cholesterol Levels Mean?

If you’ve recently gotten your cholesterol levels checked, you probably were handed a list of numbers for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

What do they mean?

The first thing you need to know is that the numbers by themselves do not necessarily mean you are at a higher – or lower – risk of heart problems or stroke. Cholesterol numbers are just one part of the story, which also includes your age, blood pressure, history of smoking, and use of blood pressure medications.

The more risk factors you have, the more likely you will develop health problems.

However, cholesterol numbers are important. And understanding what the numbers mean can help you get started on the road to improving your health.

• Total Cholesterol. Your total blood cholesterol is a measure of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), known as bad cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), or good cholesterol, and other lipid or fat components in your blood, such as triglycerides, the form in which most fat exists in food and the body.
• LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease. Lowering your LDL cholesterol number reduces your risk. If your LDL is 190 or more, it is very high. Your doctor will likely prescribe a statin, which can help lower your cholesterol levels, and recommend that you change your lifestyle to adopt healthier habits. Healthy habits may involve eating healthier, getting more exercise, and avoiding tobacco products.
• HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease by taking the LDL or bad cholesterol out of your blood and preventing it from building up in your arteries. Generally, a higher number means a lower risk. A statin can increase your HDL. So can exercise.
• Triglycerides tend to reflect your LDL levels. For example, if you have high triglyceride levels, you also have low HDL levels and high levels of LDL. The combination of high triglycerides and high LDL raises the chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

The good news is that many medications used to treat abnormal cholesterol levels also help lower high triglyceride numbers. If your triglycerides are very high – over 500 mg/dL – you may get medicine to lower them.

HDL cholesterol and other lipid components. Your doctor will use your total cholesterol number when determining your risk for heart disease and how best to manage it.

Bottom line: You should get your cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years if you’re over 20. Experts recommend that men 35 and older and women 45 and older be screened more often.

Get the Care You Need

If you have concerns about your health, Grady specialists are here to help.

Whether you need a checkup, treatment for an illness, or help managing a chronic condition, Grady’s primary care physicians are here to help. Book your appointment online at gradyhealth.org, through MyChart, or call (404) 616-1000. With convenient locations across metro Atlanta, you’ll have access to expert primary care and Grady’s full network of specialty services.

Continue Your Health Journey

Want to learn more about staying healthy? Visit Grady’s Health Library for trusted, physician-reviewed information on symptoms, diseases, preventive care, medications, wellness, and more. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or looking for healthy lifestyle tips, you’ll find reliable resources to help you make informed decisions about your health.