Understanding your cholesterol test results in plain English.

The article explains the four main cholesterol measurements—total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides—and lists common guideline ranges such as total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL and triglycerides below 150 mg/dL.

Doctors often provide cholesterol reports that list several measurements and abbreviations. These tests focus on four main components used to assess heart disease and stroke risk. The article presents those measurements in straightforward terms to clarify what common numbers mean. It summarizes typical guideline ranges reported for adults. Key points: - Total cholesterol: a single combined value; the article notes levels below 200 mg/dL are considered healthy for most adults and that this number does not distinguish between protective and harmful cholesterol types. - LDL cholesterol: described as the form that can deposit on artery walls; the article cites a common target below 100 mg/dL for optimal protection and notes that people with existing heart disease sometimes have lower targets, sometimes below 70 mg/dL. - HDL cholesterol: described as the form that helps remove cholesterol; the article gives typical thresholds above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women, with levels around 60–80 mg/dL described as providing strong protection and levels above 100 mg/dL reported as potentially problematic. - Triglycerides: identified as fats made from unused calories, with normal levels reported below 150 mg/dL and high levels often occurring alongside low HDL and high LDL. - Calculated versus direct LDL: many reports use a calculated LDL based on total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides (subtract HDL from total, then subtract one-fifth of triglycerides); direct LDL measurement may use non-fasting samples. - Variation and screening: the article notes cholesterol changes with age and sex (women often have lower LDL until menopause), genetics influence baseline numbers, and it mentions routine screening every four to six years. Summary: These four measurements are presented as a combined view of cardiovascular risk rather than single definitive answers. Undetermined at this time.