Your cholesterol numbers do more than show up on a lab report: They reveal vital information about your heart health.
That’s why our team of experts at Harlem Cardiology takes a proactive approach to interpreting your cholesterol results and helping you take the right steps to protect your heart.
Read on as Dr. Henock Saint-Jacques explains what your cholesterol test actually reveals and the three ways that it can predict heart disease.
A cholesterol test — also called a lipid panel — is a quick blood test that provides a snapshot of your heart health. It usually takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require much preparation, though Dr. Saint-Jacques may ask you to fast beforehand for the most accurate results.
Cholesterol, a waxy substance that’s in all of your cells, is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and breaks down into four components:
This number combines all types of cholesterol in your blood. A level under 200 mg/dL is considered desirable.
The function of LDL is to carry cholesterol from your liver to the rest of your body, but too much LDL can lead to buildup in your arteries.
Ideally, this number should be under 100 mg/dL, though your personal target may vary based on any underlying health conditions you have. For example, if you have coronary artery disease, your LDL should be below 70 mg/dL.
HDL is the opposite of LDL. It helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. A higher number is better — aim for at least 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.
These are fats your body stores from extra calories. High levels can raise your risk of heart disease. Ideally, this number should be less than 100 mg/dL.
Now that we’ve covered what exactly shows up on your lipid panel, let’s talk about the ways that your cholesterol numbers can predict your heart disease risk.
When your LDL levels are high, cholesterol can build up in the walls of your arteries.
Left unchecked, this waxy buildup forms plaque. As plaque continues to build up, it narrows your arteries and restricts blood flow. This process, known as atherosclerosis, significantly increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.
If your LDL is above 130 mg/dL, Dr. Saint-Jacques may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or both. Lowering your LDL is one of the most effective ways to reduce heart disease risk.
HDL, your “good” cholesterol, helps carry excess cholesterol away from your arteries and back to the liver, where your body can process and remove it. A higher HDL level is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
But what if your HDL is low? That means you have less of the “good” cholesterol carrying excess cholesterol back to your liver. In other words, low HDL means less protection from heart disease. For men, an HDL below 40 mg/dL is considered low. For women, the threshold is 50 mg/dL.
The good news? If you have low HDL, you can raise your HDL by exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and choosing healthy fats like olive oil and fatty fish.
When you eat more calories than you burn, your body turns those calories into triglycerides to store excess energy from your diet. While your body needs triglycerides for energy, too much can be harmful.
High triglycerides (over 150 mg/dL) often go hand-in-hand with low HDL and high LDL — a dangerous combination for your heart.
Elevated triglycerides may signal issues like insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, which also raise your risk for heart disease.
When you understand how your cholesterol numbers work together, you can take meaningful steps toward better heart health.
At Harlem Cardiology in East Harlem, New York, Dr. Saint-Jacques takes a comprehensive approach — reviewing your lipid panel, blood pressure, and full health history — to recommend the right guidance, advanced testing, and personalized treatment plan to manage your cholesterol and protect your heart.
Ready to check your numbers? Call us today at 646-381-2181 or click here to schedule an evaluation.
