Calculating Total Cholesterol with HDL and LDL Values
Cholesterol, a waxy substance essential for good health, can pose a risk when levels become too high. According to medical standards, desirable total cholesterol levels are less than 200 mg/dL (or <5.0 mmol/L). Levels between 200-239 mg/dL (5.0-6.2 mmol/L) are considered borderline high, and levels of 240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L) and above are classified as high[1][2][5].
These thresholds align with guidelines from major health organizations, indicating the lower the total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL, the better for cardiovascular health. Borderline levels warrant lifestyle monitoring, while high levels often require medical intervention and lifestyle changes.
Cholesterol is measured in two units: mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), commonly used in the US, and mmol/L (millimoles per liter), frequently used elsewhere. The conversion factor is approximately 38.67 mg/dL per 1 mmol/L.
Here is a summary table of total cholesterol levels:
| Total Cholesterol Level | Classification | Approximate Values | |-------------------------------|-------------------|--------------------------| | Desirable (Healthy) | Less than 200 mg/dL | < 5.0 mmol/L (190 mg/dL) | | Borderline High | 200-239 mg/dL | 5.0-6.2 mmol/L | | High | 240 mg/dL and above| > 6.2 mmol/L |
Cholesterol is transported through the blood in lipoproteins, the main types being Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as "bad cholesterol", and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good cholesterol". Optimal levels of LDL cholesterol are less than 100 mg/dL, while HDL levels are beneficial as they absorb cholesterol and return it to the liver, lowering the risk of a cardiovascular event[3][4].
In addition to total cholesterol, other factors such as physical activity level, body weight, smoking, blood pressure, and triglycerides are considered when evaluating a person's risk profile for cardiovascular disease. High triglycerides levels (higher than 150 mg/dl) indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease[2].
If total cholesterol is above desirable levels, medical advice often includes lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and sometimes medication to reduce cardiovascular risk[3][4]. It's essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
[1] American Heart Association. (2021). Cholesterol: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/what-is-cholesterol
[2] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). What Is Cholesterol? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/what-is-cholesterol
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). High Cholesterol: Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20368675
[4] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). What Is Cholesterol? Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cholesterol
[5] World Health Organization. (2021). Cholesterol. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cholesterol
- Maintaining desirable triglyceride levels is crucial for cardiovascular health and overall health-and-wellness, as high triglycerides (higher than 150 mg/dL) indicate a higher risk of medical-conditions like cardiovascular-disease.
- Nutrition plays a significant role in managing cholesterol levels, and fitness-and-exercise, along with a balanced diet, can help reduce total cholesterol and improve cardiovascular-health.
- In addition to targeting triglycerides, medical science emphasizes the importance of monitoring LDL and HDL cholesterol levels to assess a person's risk profile, with optimal LDL being less than 100 mg/dL and higher HDL levels beneficial for health.
