Having excessive ldl cholesterol can result in coronary heart illness or stroke.

There are 3 sorts of ldl cholesterol 

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “dangerous” ldl cholesterol

• Excessive-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” ldl cholesterol

• Triglycerides (sort of fats in your blood)

Collectively, they make up your complete ldl cholesterol. 

Formulation for complete ldl cholesterol = LDL + HDL + 20% triglycerides 

Know your numbers

There aren’t any signs for prime ldl cholesterol. The one approach to know is to get your numbers checked with ldl cholesterol screening.

The CDC’s optimum ldl cholesterol degree suggestions for individuals assigned feminine at delivery:

• LDL ldl cholesterol: about 100 mg/dL

• HDL ldl cholesterol: ≥50 mg/dL

• Triglycerides: <150 mg/dL

• Complete ldl cholesterol: about 150 mg/dL

Excessive ldl cholesterol = complete ldl cholesterol above 200 mg/dL

Round 2 in 5 American adults have complete ldl cholesterol above 200 mg/dL.

When to get screened

Folks assigned feminine at delivery ought to get their ldl cholesterol checked:

20–54 Each 5 years

55–65 Each 1–2 years

65+ Yearly 

Threat components for prime ldl cholesterol

• Lack of train

• Consuming a food regimen excessive in saturated and trans fats and sugar

• Smoking

• Consuming an excessive amount of alcohol 

• Having well being situations like power kidney illness, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism and lupus 

• Genetics and household historical past 

• Sure medicines 

• Being 40 years or older 

Though individuals over 40 are at greater threat of creating excessive ldl cholesterol, it could actually occur at any age. 

Estrogen impacts ldl cholesterol 

Estrogen supplies safety towards coronary heart illness by reducing blood triglycerides and LDL ldl cholesterol, and rising HDL ldl cholesterol.  

Altering estrogen ranges throughout the menstrual cycle can increase and decrease your levels of cholesterol.

Throughout perimenopause and menopause, decrease quantities of estrogen enhance triglycerides, LDL and complete levels of cholesterol, rising your threat of coronary heart illness. 

Excessive ranges of estrogen throughout being pregnant and with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may cause greater LDL and triglycerides. 

The best way to get screened

Your healthcare supplier (HCP) may give you a ldl cholesterol screening check, additionally referred to as a lipid panel or lipid profile, by taking a blood pattern from you. 

You’ll probably be requested to quick or not eat for 12 hours earlier than the check.

The check is fast and comparatively painless, and the outcomes will present your ranges for the three kinds of ldl cholesterol plus complete ldl cholesterol. 

1 blood check = 4 outcomes

Don’t delay — discuss to your HCP about ldl cholesterol screening at the moment!

This useful resource was created with assist from Amgen, a HealthyWomen Company Advisory Council member.