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Cholesterol is the basic building block of all steroid hormones, and
is an essential component of red blood cells and cell membranes.
It is found in a variety of dietary sources, but can be synthesized by
the liver if the diet is deficient in cholesterol.
High levels of cholesterol in the blood are associated with an increased
risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. There is evidence that lowering
of an abnormally high cholesterol with diet, exercise and medications may
lead to a reduced risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Total Cholesterol is a measurement of:
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- VLDL Cholesterol
- Free Cholesterol
HDL (High-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol from the cells
back to the liver. High levels of HDL are considered beneficial from a
cardiovascular risk perspective...the more the better.
LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) is the breakdown product of VLDL
(Very Low-Density Lipoprotein), which carries triglycerides. Elevations of
LDL and VLDL are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and
coronary artery disease.
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Normal Values*
Total Cholesterol
| Desirable |
140-200 mg/dl |
|
Borderline |
201-239 mg/dl |
| High |
>240 mg/dl |
HDL Cholesterol
| Men |
35-70 mg/dl |
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Women |
35-85 mg/dl |
| Children |
30-65 mg/dl |
LDL Cholesterol
| Desirable |
<130 mg/dl |
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Borderline |
130-159 mg/dl |
| High |
>= 160 mg/dl |
VLDL Cholesterol
| Normal |
25-50% of Total
Cholesterol |
*These are general values taken from a variety of
sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one
type of testing protocol to another.
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