Cholesterol is a slippery, waxy, fatty substance (called a lipid) that circulates in your blood. Cholesterol is essential for maintaining the outer cell membrane, but it is also unhealthy if there is too much of it. High levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol are often associated with atherosclerosis, which is a condition where the arteries are full of fatty materials that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. According to the CDC, 73.5 million Americans (31.7%) have moderately high LDL levels. Knowing how to calculate your total cholesterol and what each measurement means is an important step in understanding how to maintain a healthy heart.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Giving a Blood Sample
Step 1. See your doctor
Your doctor should refer you for the complete blood count (lipid profile or lipoprotein profile) needed to test your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels – the three elements combined to get a complete cholesterol reading.
- LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, and is actually a combined reading of LDL and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein). Over time, LDL builds up plaque in your arteries, narrowing them, and increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. LDL is often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol.
- HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. HDL transports cholesterol in the bloodstream back to the liver and reduces the amount of cholesterol in your blood. This is why HDL is called the “good” cholesterol.
- Triglycerides are another form of fat molecule found in your blood, which can contribute to the narrowing and hardening of your arteries. Like LDL, high triglyceride levels can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and complications.
Step 2. Fast before taking blood
For accurate readings of various elements, you must fast for nine to twelve hours before having your blood drawn. This is necessary because accurate readings require minimal values that do not increase with food.
You can still drink water before fasting
Step 3. Wait for your results
The laboratory will run appropriate tests on your blood sample before returning the results. Your doctor will usually ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment a week after your blood has been drawn to discuss the results.
Part 2 of 2: Interpreting Laboratory Results
Step 1. Read the measurement results
Your cholesterol level will be written as the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. The number refers to milligrams of cholesterol in one deciliter of blood (mg/dL). The lab may omit units of measurement in your results, but this is what the numbers mean.
Step 2. Check your LDL levels
Your doctor will think that an LDL level below 100 mg/dL is the ideal result. Here is a complete guide to LDL levels for someone with no other medical conditions:
- Ideal – less than 100 mg/dL
- Near optimal/ slightly high – 100 to 129 mg/dL
- High limit – 130 to 159 mg/dL
- High – 160 to 189 mg/dL
- Very high – more than 190 mg/dL
Step 3. Check your HDL levels
You will see a different number indicating your HDL measurement. Your doctor will think that an HDL of 60 mg/dL (or higher) is the ideal result. The following is a description of the HDL measurement for someone who has no other medical conditions:
- Ideal – at least 60 mg/dL
- Risk factor limit for heart disease – 41 to 59 mg/dL
- High risk factors for heart disease – less than 40 mg/dL
Step 4. Check your triglyceride levels
Like high LDL levels, high triglyceride levels can also increase your chances of developing atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of the arteries), increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Your doctor will think that a triglyceride level of less than 150 mg/dL is an ideal result, assuming you don't have any other medical conditions. Here is a full breakdown of your triglyceride measurement:
- Ideal – less than 150 mg/dL
- Slightly high – 150 to 199 mg/dL
- High – 200 to 499 mg/dL
- Very high – more than 500 mg/dL
Step 5. Plug your numbers into the equation to find your total cholesterol
Once you know these three numbers, you can use them in a simple equation to calculate your total cholesterol. The equation is:
- LDL + HDL + (triglycerides/5) = total cholesterol.
- For example, if you have LDL 100, HDL 60, and triglycerides 150, the equation would be: 100 + 60 + (150/5).
Step 6. Calculate your total cholesterol
By plugging all of your numbers into the equation, you can easily do division and addition to get to your total cholesterol level.
- For example, the calculation from the previous example is 100 + 60 + (150/5) = 100 + 60 +30 = 190.
- You can also use an online calculator that will calculate your total cholesterol from each individual measurement.
Step 7. Check your total cholesterol level
Almost the same as each of the elements, your total cholesterol can be categorized based on its reading range from ideal to high. Your doctor will think that a total cholesterol reading of less than 200 mg/dL is an ideal result, assuming you don't have any other medical conditions. However, here is the full range of readings:
- Ideal – Less than 200 mg/dL
- Slightly high – 200 to 239 mg/dL
- High – 240 mg/dL or higher
Step 8. Ask your doctor to discuss the results with you
While total cholesterol is a good measure to know, you should still discuss the parts with your doctor because the numbers may not match. For example, 99 LDL + 60 HDL + (200/5 triglycerides) = 199 total cholesterol. A total cholesterol level of 199 isn't dangerous yet, but 200 is a high number for a triglyceride reading, and your doctor will still discuss options to help you control your triglycerides.
Step 9. Take steps to lower your cholesterol
If the readings of individual measurements or your total cholesterol are outside the optimal range, it is likely that your doctor will suggest lifestyle changes to help lower your cholesterol. Those steps include:
- Reduce saturated fat, trans fat, salt and sugar in your diet
- Choose healthy foods, such as fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean meat protein
- Do at least thirty minutes of cardio every day
- Quit smoking (if smoking)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- You can find complete information with steps to lower your cholesterol in the article Clear Clogged Arteries Naturally.
Tips
Several health experts are currently suggesting a risk-based model of cholesterol treatment. You can use the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's online 10-year risk assessment tool:
Warning
- While this article provides information regarding cholesterol, you should not take it as medical advice. Always consult the best plan to monitor and control your cholesterol with your doctor.
- Cholesterol levels should only be used as a guide and should be evaluated by a doctor when assessing the risk of heart disease.
