Total blood (or serum) cholesterol score. This component of your test results is actually a composite of different measurements. Your total blood cholesterol score is calculated by adding your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, plus 20 percent of your triglyceride level.
The most important part of this test. Measures the level of triglycerides in the blood. Normal triglyceride levels in the blood are less than 150 mg per deciliter (mg/dL). Triglyceride levels can be controlled to some extent by lifestyle modifications and, when necessary, medications.
HDL cholesterol is often called “good” cholesterol. The test for HDL cholesterol measures the amount of HDL-C in blood. Cholesterol is found in all the cells of the body and is instrumental in body functions, such as building cells and very importantly hormone production. HDL-C can be low in male subjects who are obese and sedentary, in those who smoke cigarettes, and in those who have diabetes mellitus. Uremia is also associated with lower HDL-C. Exercise, appropriate diet can increase HDL-C.
This test measures the level of Low-Density Lipoprotein Particles (LDL-P) in a blood sample. LDL is also known as the “bad” cholesterol. Generally, higher LDL indicates a greater risk of heart disease, because, under certain conditions, it can cause hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
