Analyzing Normal Cholesterol Numbers

What does it mean to have normal cholesterol numbers? Most people would probably think that having normal cholesterol numbers would also mean having a healthy heart and a lesser risk of developing heart ailments. Recent studies however now show that there is more to cardiovascular health than just normal cholesterol numbers.

The Figures

Checking for normal cholesterol numbers is still important considering that many individuals with high cholesterol levels are at greater risk of suffering from heart attack or stroke. In the United States, heart disease is seen as the main cause of death while stroke takes third place. It is even more alarming to know that one out of three people in America have cholesterol levels that are over the normal levels. Checking if you have normal cholesterol numbers will give you peace of mind.

Cholesterol Screening

In the past, doctors simply screened and analyzed total cholesterol levels. Science however has proven that normal cholesterol numbers are not just about total figures. Normal cholesterol numbers are determined by a healthy balance of LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol, often tagged as bad cholesterol, should still be present to some degree since LDL is actually responsible for bringing cholesterol to the different cells in the body for normal functions. What balances LDL in normal cholesterol numbers is HDL cholesterol. HDL brings cholesterol back to the liver for proper disposal. A typical screening for cholesterol levels should have numbers for LDL and HDL cholesterol as well as figures for blood glucose level and triglycerides.

Normal Cholesterol Levels

Looking individually at LDL and HDL cholesterol figures are a better way to assess normal cholesterol numbers. You would generally be considered to have normal cholesterol levels if your LDL is below at the most 130 mg/dL. Your HDL on the other hand should not be less than 40 md/dL. Other recent findings however now show that half of heart attack cases happen to people who have normal cholesterol numbers. This means that there are other factors responsible for heart disease other than cholesterol. If you are at high risk of developing a heart condition, your doctor may recommend that you take other tests such as the c-reactive protein test (CRP) to determine your chances of developing heart problems.

Recognizing Risk Factors

Common sense should tell you that even though you have balanced cholesterol numbers, you should still ask to be screened if you are at high risk for heart ailments. Men over 40 and women over 50 should ask their doctors about their chances of later suffering from heart attack or stroke. Other people at risk include chronic smokers and people whose diets are rich in saturated and trans fats. You are also at higher risk if you are obese, your family has had a history of heart attack or stroke or if you have had an experience of heart problems yourself. Do not wait for obvious symptoms like chest pains and difficulty in breathing to appear. Consult your doctor immediately if you belong to the high risk group.