Ailments and Situations - High Cholesterol - Levels & Ratios

 
Levels & Ratios

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per litre (mmol/L) of blood. A "normal"/desirable blood lipid profile is as follows:

• Total Cholesterol:  <200mg/dL (5.2mmol/L)
• LDL Cholesterol:  <130mg/dL (3.4mmol/L)
• HDL Cholesterol:  >35mg/dL (0.9mmol/L)
• Triglycerides:  <200mg/dL (2.3mmol/L)

Total cholesterol counts can also be too low. If your total lies below 180 mg/dL you may be at greater risk of gallbladder disease, acute infections, anemia, and autoimmune diseases.

It is important to watch the ratio of HDL to LDL. In general, the more HDL you have, the better. For example, 60 mg/dl HDL to 130 mg/dl LDL is better than 35 mg/dl HDL to 155 mg/dl LDL.

 

Symptoms and Signs:

As mentioned above, a cholesterol test will determine your HDL:LDL ratio and you may act on this information accordingly. A high LDL level should be treated and your naturopath or other health practitioner can help determine the most viable approach for your needs.

 

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