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Lipid disorders are diagnosed with blood tests that measure the level of cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood.
Blood Tests
Cholesterol levels are checked with a blood test. A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may need to fast for several hours, usually overnight, before your blood is taken. The test measures levels of:
The readings are interpreted as follows:
Total Cholesterol
| Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| <200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) | Desirable |
| 200-239 mg/dL (5.2-6.1 mmol/L) | Borderline high |
| 240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L) and above | High |
LDL Cholesterol
| Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) | Optimal |
| 100-129 mg/dL (2.6-3.3 mmol/L) | Near optimal/above optimal |
| 130-159 mg/dL (3.4-4.0 mmol/L) | Borderline high |
| 160-189 mg/dL (4.1-4.8 mmol/L) | High |
| >190 mg/dL (4.9 mmol/L) and above | Very high |
HDL Cholesterol
| Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) and above | Protective against heart disease |
| Less than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) | A major heart disease risk factor |
Triglycerides
| Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) | Normal |
| 150-199 mg/dL (1.7-2.2 mmol/L) | Borderline high |
| 200-499 mg/dL (2.3-5.6 mmol/L) | High |
| 500 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L) and above | Very high |
mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter of blood; (mmol/L= millimoles per liter of blood)
References:
ATP III guidelines at a glance quick desk reference. National Cholesterol Education Program. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/atglance.pdf. Updated May 2001. Accessed March 22, 2013.
Hypercholesterolemia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated February 11, 2013. Accessed March 22, 2013.
Hypertriglyceridemia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated January 17, 2013. Accessed March 22, 2013.
Last reviewed February 2013 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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