3 Ways To Calculate Cholesterol Ratio

Many different types of home tests are available,[4] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source but have not been supported by most health organizations or associations. Make sure to read labels and directions carefully and use discretion when reading home tests. The results may not be accurate. [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some companies offer free or low-cost cholesterol screening services that don’t require you to go to your doctor’s office. However, before you use one of these services, research the organization and find out if they’re reputable. You may also wish to have your doctor review the results of the test. Some worksites also provide screenings for their employees. [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Not all cholesterol tests require fasting, so ask your doctor whether it’s necessary to avoid eating beforehand. [8] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Talk to your healthcare provider about your current medications. Certain meds, like birth control, can affect your cholesterol levels. [9] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source It may be recommended that you skip a dose before taking a cholesterol test.

You will get 3 numbers back from your cholesterol test: your total cholesterol, your total HDL (good cholesterol) and your total LDL (bad cholesterol). A high overall cholesterol score does not necessarily equal bad health, as it could be high due to high levels of HDL. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

A desirable total cholesterol number is below 5. 2 mmol/L (below 200 mg/dL) A near optimal level for LDL is 2. 6 – 3. 3 mmol/L (100-129 mg/dL) The best HDL level is 1. 6 mmol/L (60 mg/dL) and above. At minimum, men should have an HDL level of 1. 0 mmol/L (40 mg/dL) or above, while women should have an HDL level of at least 1. 3 mmol/L (50 mg/dL). The estrogen hormone in women might cause higher levels of HDL cholesterol. [14] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source

You can control your blood pressure by eating healthy, exercising regularly, reducing stress, staying fit, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting alcohol. It can be difficult to make lifestyle changes. Consider asking your regular physician for a referral to a therapist who can help you manage the transition. Most importantly, be aware that you have high blood pressure. There are few, if any, symptoms of high blood pressure, so it is your responsibility to get it checked. You get your blood pressure checked each time you visit the doctor’s office, but if you have issues with high blood pressure your doctor may recommend an at-home testing kit.

This condition is called diabetic dyslipidemia. A side effect of this condition is atherosclerosis, in which the arteries become clogged with cholesterol. If you have a family history or are at risk for diabetes, reduce your weight, eat healthy, and increase your physical activity. These actions can greatly reduce the progression of diabetes. Medication is also available to help control high blood glucose levels and to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Any exercise that makes your body warm enough to perspire and breathe heavily is healthy for your heart and helps reduce cholesterol. Some options include walking, swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, or climbing. Pick something that is comfortable for you and that you enjoy. That may be a structured exercise program, an individual daily routine, or a routine you engage in with a workout buddy. Keep in mind that if you genuinely enjoy your exercise routine, you’re more likely to stick to it.

Learn how calories work and how many you should consume daily. Consider that most food labels are based on a 2,000-calorie diet and that you will need to figure out if you need more or less than that depending upon your age, gender, and level of physical activity. Talk to your doctor or a certified dietitian about making a meal plan that’s healthy for you. [24] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source Regular physical exercise is a good way to maintain your weight and lower your cholesterol. Variety and balance is the best strategy. Make sure to get enough nutrition from each of the recommended food groups. Foods that are rich in minerals, proteins, and whole grains and low in calories can help you control your weight. Limit saturated and trans fats, sodium, red meat, and sugary products, as all these can raise cholesterol levels. [25] X Research source Refrain from adding salt, sauces, or creams to your food. Drink fat-free (skim) and low-fat (1%) dairy products. Choose plenty of fiber-rich whole grains, and have 2 to 3 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Eat fish containing omega-3 fatty acids twice a week, or consider other good sources of omega-3s, like avocado, olive oil, or nuts. Drink alcohol in moderation. This means 1 drink daily for women and 2 drinks daily for men. [26] X Research source

The simple equation is to reduce the amount of calories entering the body compared to the amount of calories burned by the body. By eating more calories than your body burns, your body will store the excess energy as fat and you will gain weight. 1 pound (0. 45 kg) is equal to approximately 3,500 calories. [28] X Research source To lose 1 pound (0. 45 kg) per week, you would need to reduce the intake of calories by about 500 per day through a combination of diet and exercise. [29] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source [30] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source Learn how many calories are in the foods you normally eat and take the appropriate measures to either cut unhealthy food out of your diet or reduce it to an acceptable level. It is hard to keep track of calories at the grocery store; therefore, make a quick list with the calories written down beside them in a typical meal. This way you can better gauge what you are buying and eating.

Work with your doctor to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle plan to lower your cholesterol levels and improve your overall health. Your doctor can give you the best advice as they are familiar with your specific medical history and risk factors. High cholesterol is usually the direct result of a poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, and exposure to tobacco products. Strive to manage your diet to lower cholesterol. Aim to eat less meat and more fresh vegetables and fruits.

For men, testing is recommended if you are 35 or older. However, if you’re between the ages of 20 and 35 and are at risk for heart disease, testing might be recommended sooner. [33] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source For women, testing usually starts when you are 20. It may start earlier if you have an increased risk of heart disease. [34] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Children should only get tested if their family history indicates they are at risk. All adults who already have high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, or diabetes should get tested at least once a year.

LDL, the bad cholesterol, contributes to the thick, hard deposit of plaque that clogs arteries, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and tries to pass through the blocked artery it will prevent blood from getting to your heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke. HDL, the good cholesterol, helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries by carrying it back to the liver to be broken down. Blood cholesterol consists of 25–35% HDL.