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What are Cholesterol measurements?

Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels

There are three types of lipoproteins. Two of these are: LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), and HDL (High-density lipoprotein). High value of LDL is bad. LDL is also called 'Bad' Cholesterol. High value of HDL is considered good. Therefore HDL is also called 'Good' Cholesterol. HDL helps eliminate Cholesterol by taking it back to the liver to make bile acids. Total Cholesterol also includes VLDL (very low density lipoproteins).

Total Cholesterol = HDL + LDL + VLDL

In reality, only Total Cholesterol, HDL, and Triglycerides are measured. LDL and VLDL are computed. Triglycerides vary significantly with food intake. Therefore, a patient is asked to fast 8 to 12 hours before taking the blood sample. At that time, it is assumed that VLDL = One fifth of triglycerides.

The Friedwald formula is used to determine LDL as follows:

LDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL  - 20% of Triglycerides

The risk of heart disease is measured by a factor called Cardiac risk ratio. It is calculated as follows:
Cardiac risk ratio = (Total Cholesterol) divided by (HDL)

<5.2 Optimal, 5.2 to 6.2 Borderline, >6.2 High risk

Blood Cholesterol is measured as milligrams per deciliter of serum (mg/dL. The Cholesterol levels range from less than 50 in infants to an average of 215 in adults. The following table gives a typical profile.