Q:
What is a normal cholesterol and how do other risk factors affect it?
A:
All these influence your cholesterol and thus the risk for heart disease:
Classification of LDL, Total, HDL Cholesterol (mg)/dL)
Total Cholesterol
- <200 Desirable
- 200-239 Borderline high
- >240 High
LDL Cholesterol
- <100 Optimal
- 100-129 Near optimal/above optimal
- 130-159 Borderline high
- 160-189 High
- >190 Very high
HDL Cholesterol
- <40 Low
- >60 High
Major Risk Factors (Exclusive of LDL Cholesterol) That Modify LDL Goals*
- Cigarette smoking
- Hypertension (BP ³140/90 mmHg or on antihypertensive medication)
- Low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL)†
- Family history of premature CHD (CHD in male first degree relative <55 years;
- CHD in female first degree relative <65 years)
- Age (men >45 years; women >55 years)*
* Diabetes is regarded as a CAD risk equivalent.
† HDL cholesterol ³60 mg/dL counts as a “negative” risk factor; its presence removes one risk factor from the total count.
You can calculate your risks here:
http://www.cardiac-risk-assessment.com/app/risk-assessment.php
Treatment depends on many factors, but include diet and exercise, behavior modifications, and medications! A lot of what will happen is thus up to you!
Hope this helps,
Dr T