Are your blood fat measurements normal?

If you have not had a blood fat profile run, consider having one done at your next visit to your doctor. Then ask your doctor how often you should have this profile repeated. The tests should include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL (calculated), LDL to HDL ratio (calculated), and triglycerides. Discuss the results of each test with your doctor or other designated healthcare professionals. The following information is provided to help you understand the blood fat profile.

For adults, a total blood cholesterol level below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) is desirable. As your total cholesterol increases above 200, so does your risk of developing heart disease.

Cholesterol is carried in your blood primarily by two different types of lipoproteins: high–density lipoproteins (HDL) and low–density lipoproteins (LDL). Lipoproteins (HDLs and LDLs) are not found in foods. Lipoproteins are packages of fat, cholesterol, and protein. HDLs contain more protein and less fat and cholesterol than LDLs. LDLs carry most of the cholesterol in the blood.

LDLs may be referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Actually, LDLs are essential. Only a high concentration of LDLs is bad, because LDLs tend to deposit cholesterol in the arteries. A high level of LDLs increases your risk of developing heart disease.

HDLs are often called "good" cholesterol. In fact, it is a high concentration of HDL that is good. A high HDL level tends to remove cholesterol from the arteries, helping to lessen your risk of heart disease.

Reducing saturated fatty acids and cholesterol in the diet helps lower LDL-cholesterol levels in your blood, reducing your risk of heart disease. HDLs appear to have a protective effect. You can generally raise HDL levels with exercise.

When your blood cholesterol levels are checked at your doctor’s office, you can also find out your triglyceride level. Triglycerides are fat. Most fat tissue is made of triglycerides, and when fat travels in the blood, it travels as triglycerides.

Researchers are not certain that high triglyceride levels are a risk factor for heart disease. However, if levels are high, most doctors will continue to recheck them to see if they come down.

In discussing your blood fat profile, your doctor may recommend specific changes in your diet. If so, ask for a referral to a registered dietitian who is qualified to assist you in making changes. If no specific diet order is made or if a general recommendation to cut down on dietary fat is given, then the material in this publication may help you.

If your blood fat measurements are in the normal range and your weight is at a healthy level, you are probably doing a good job of keeping the fat levels in your diet in a healthy range.

If you are trying to lose weight, do so slowly and steadily. A healthy low-fat diet, smaller food portion sizes, and increased physical activity are the keys to losing weight. A generally safe rate is ½ to 2 pounds a week until you reach your goal.

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