DoubleCheckMD - High Cholesterol Information Center


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High Cholesterol information center

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To obtain a personalized treatment report, you will need to complete a questionnaire. Expect to spend from 8 to 15 minutes answering questions.

If you don't have time now to complete the questionnaire but still want information about your treatment options, go to the Quick Look Chart.

	Personal Treatment Evaluation
	Tip: You may get more out of your evaluation if you have relevant medical information handy, such as current medications, prescription drug dosages and lab test results.

	Quick Look
	This chart rates treatment options according to general effectiveness, ease of use, side effects and safety. Be sure to visit again to complete the questionnaire and obtain your personalized evaluation.

	Frequently Asked Questions
	Are my cholesterol levels abnormal? Are my cholesterol levels abnormal? The following are values for total cholesterol, LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglycerides. They are listed from the best results to the worst. You should compare your own levels to these values to see whether or not your results are abnormal. Total cholesterol Less than 200: desirable 200-239: borderline high 240 or above: high LDL ("bad" cholesterol) Less than 100: optimal 100-129: near to slightly above optimal 130-159: borderline high 160-189: high 190 or above: very high HDL ("good" cholesterol) 60 or above: protects against heart disease 40-59: average Less than 40: risk factor for heart disease Triglycerides Less than 150: desirable 150-199: borderline high 200-499: high 500-999: very high 1000-1999: extremely high 2000 and above: risk for pancreatitis

	Which cholesterol blood tests are the most accurate? Which cholesterol blood tests are the most accurate? A test called a "lipid profile" is the most accurate cholesterol test. This test measures several different types of cholesterol including: total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and triglycerides. Total cholesterol is often used as an initial screening test, especially in young, healthy people. If the results are normal, the assumption is made that cholesterol levels are normal. If the total cholesterol test is abnormal, however, a full "lipid profile" blood test is recommended. One problem with total cholesterol is that it measures both "good" and "bad" cholesterol, and patients who have high levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL) may falsely appear to have a cholesterol problem.

	Is it important to fast before having a cholesterol blood test? Is it important to fast before having a cholesterol blood test? Cholesterol blood test results can be inaccurate if performed without fasting. Triglyceride levels rise, and both HDL ("good") and LDL ("bad") levels fall after eating. For more accurate results, fasting for 12 hours prior to cholesterol blood tests is recommended.

	Besides high cholesterol, what are the risk factors for heart disease? Besides high cholesterol, what are the risk factors for heart disease? Risk factors for heart disease include: Cigarette smoking High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher or taking blood pressure medication) Family history of early heart disease (heart disease in father or brother before age 55; heart disease in mother or sister before age 65) Age - men 45 years or older, women 55 years or older Woman below age 55 with early menopause (either due to hysterectomy or naturally occurring) without estrogen replacement Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes also increase the chances of developing heart disease. For example, obesity increases the chance of having high blood pressure, diabetes, and a low amount of "good" cholesterol.

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NOTE: Just because a drug or combination of drugs can cause a symptom does not mean it is actually causing your symptom. Symptoms can be caused by medical conditions as well. Make sure that your physician is aware of any symptoms you are experiencing so he/she can work with you to determine the cause. Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information DoubleCheckMD.com provides is intended to help individuals to work with their medical professionals and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or healthcare advice and serves to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of a healthcare professional. In all cases individuals should consult with a physician before taking any action based on DoubleCheckMD feedback including, but not limited to ceasing taking any drug, changing diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The information provided by DoubleCheckMD.com is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that the use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective.