Cholesterol Test - Lipid Profile Test

A cholesterol test, also called a lipid profile, helps assess your risk for heart disease by measuring different types of fats in your blood. Knowing what each number means can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your health.

Key Components of a Cholesterol Test

1. Total Cholesterol

   
   

   • Ideal: Less than 200 mg/dL

   • This is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL and HDL.

   
   

2. LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol)

   
   

   • Ideal: Less than 100 mg/dL

   • LDL contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

   • If you have diabetes or heart disease, your target may be below 70 mg/dL.

   
   

3. HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol)

   
   

   • Ideal: Above 40 mg/dL (men), above 50 mg/dL (women)

   • HDL helps remove LDL from the bloodstream. Higher levels are protective.

   
   

4. Triglycerides

   
   

   • Ideal: Less than 150 mg/dL

   • These fats are used for energy, but high levels are linked to increased heart risk.

   
   
   
   

What Abnormal Results Might Indicate

• High LDL or Total Cholesterol: Risk for heart disease and stroke increases.

• Low HDL: Reduced protection from heart disease.

• High Triglycerides: Often linked to obesity, diabetes, or excessive alcohol/sugar intake.

Interpreting Your Risk

Your doctor will evaluate your results along with other factors such as:

• Age, gender, blood pressure

• Smoking status

• Family history of heart disease

• Diabetes or other medical conditions

Natural Remedies and Diet to Reduce Cholesterol

1. Heart-Healthy Diet

• Increase fiber: Oats, barley, flaxseeds, fruits, and vegetables help reduce LDL.

• Add healthy fats: Use olive oil, nuts (like almonds, walnuts), and avocados.

• Eat fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3s.

• Limit saturated and trans fats: Avoid fried foods, red meat, processed snacks.

• Include plant sterols/stanols: Found in fortified foods, they block cholesterol absorption.

2. Lifestyle Changes

• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes/day, 5 times a week.

• Lose excess weight: Even 5–10% reduction helps lower cholesterol.

• Quit smoking: Improves HDL and overall heart health.

• Limit alcohol: Excess intake can raise triglycerides.

3. Natural Supplements (consult your doctor first)

• Psyllium husk: A soluble fiber that lowers LDL.

• Garlic: May have mild cholesterol-lowering effects.

• Red yeast rice: Contains natural statin-like compounds.

• Green tea: Contains catechins that may reduce LDL.

Summary

Understanding your cholesterol test empowers you to take charge of your heart health. Combine test interpretation with healthy eating, exercise, and natural remedies to maintain optimal cholesterol levels. Always consult your doctor before starting new supplements or making major changes.

Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)

Internal Medicine Specialist

Kify Hospital

Danavaipeta

Rajahmundry

Phone : 85000 23456

www.KifyHospital.com