Have you ever heard your doctor talk about cholesterol and wondered what all those letters and numbers mean? Let's break it down!

• Lipid Profile
• Lipoprotein Profile

This group of tests measures the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood. Cholesterol and triglycerides are lipids, or fats, essential for cell health but can be harmful when they build up in the blood. This buildup can lead to clogged, inflamed arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis, which may keep your heart from working normally if the arteries of your heart muscle are affected. This panel of tests helps predict your risk for heart disease and stroke.

When you get your cholesterol lab results, you usually see these names, and this is what they are testing: 

• Total Cholesterol: This is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. It's a combination of HDL, LDL, and a portion of your triglycerides. A total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL is generally considered good.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): This is known as "good" cholesterol. Think of HDL as a cleanup crew that picks up extra cholesterol in your blood and takes it to your liver to be processed and removed. The higher your HDL, the better!
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): This is often called "bad" cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol to your arteries, where it can build up and form plaques. These plaques can narrow your arteries and make it harder for blood to flow through. High LDL levels can lead to heart disease and stroke.
• Triglycerides: These are another type of fat in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need right away into triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: This ratio compares your total cholesterol level to your HDL cholesterol level. It's calculated by dividing your total cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol. A lower ratio is better, as it indicates a higher level of HDL relative to total cholesterol. Ideally, this ratio should be below 3.5.
• Non-HDL Cholesterol: This value is your total cholesterol minus your HDL cholesterol. It includes all the "bad" types of cholesterol, like LDL and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). A lower non-HDL cholesterol level is better for your heart health. The target is usually less than 130 mg/dL for people at risk of heart disease.
• VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein): VLDL carries triglycerides in the blood. High levels of VLDL can contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries. VLDL is usually estimated as a percentage of your triglyceride level. Normal VLDL levels are between 5 and 30 mg/dL.

1. High blood pressure
2. Diabetes or pre-diabetes
3. Overweight or obesity
4. Smoking
5. Lack of exercise
6. Diet of unhealthy foods
7. Stress
8. High total cholesterol
9. High-fat diet
10. Diet high in processed foods

You'll see a bunch of numbers when you get your cholesterol test results. Here's how to understand their meaning: Test results are given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). 

Your HDL cholesterol levels should be above 40 mg/dL. This fat type is good for you because it lowers your risk of heart disease. The higher the number, the lower your risk. Sixty mg/dL or above is considered the level to protect you against heart disease.

High levels of triglycerides are linked with a higher heart disease risk. Here are the adult ranges:

Based on your test results, your healthcare provider will decide whether you need lifestyle changes or medicines to lower your cholesterol.

Some healthcare providers may order advanced lipid testing for a more detailed assessment of your cholesterol and risk factors. These tests can provide additional information about the size and type of cholesterol particles in your blood:

• Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): Measures the number of LDL particles, which can give a more accurate risk assessment for heart disease.
• Lipoprotein(a): An inherited risk factor that can increase the risk of heart disease independent of other cholesterol levels.
• LDL Particle Size: Determines whether you have small, dense LDL particles (more dangerous) or large, buoyant LDL particles (less dangerous).

These advanced tests can provide a more comprehensive picture of your cardiovascular health and help tailor your treatment plan more precisely.

Feel free to share this with your friends and family so they can understand their cholesterol numbers and take steps to improve their heart health, too!

Understanding your cholesterol numbers is an important part of maintaining good heart health. By making healthy lifestyle choices, you can improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. Remember, it's never too early to start caring for your heart! See a functional medicine heart specialist to learn more about improving your cholesterol levels. 

Dr. Lisa Gengo is a functional medicine physician and a cardiovascular (heart) specialist. She excels in unraveling the underlying triggers of heart health challenges such as hypertension, heart disease, and associated links like gut disorders, thyroid disorders, pre-diabetes, and weight and insulin resistance. Her expert nutritional guidance is instrumental in addressing these concerns, which often play critical roles in conditions like weight gain, sleep disorders, and a spectrum of intricate medical issues. Click here to learn more about Dr. Gengo's holistic approach and specialized expertise. —Dr. Lisa Gengo's Functional Medicine Practice.