Dorothy's personal blog

In medical terms, the total cholesterol count means the total amount of blood cholesterol. The total cholesterol determines the amount of cholesterol in the blood however, the story doesn’t end here. There are various other factors that have to be kept in mind to determine the total amount of cholesterol.

The other factors which are to be kept in mind in determining the cholesterol content are the low density lipoprotein or LDL and HDL. The ratio between the total and the HDL cholesterol has to be kept in mind. It is very important to know that the cholesterol tests actually measure blood cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and the triglycerides.

It is very important to do a thorough check on the LDL levels in case you have the symptoms of heart attack. The target levels of the LDL should be low. The total cholesterol to the HDL ratio has also to be kept under vigil in case of the heart attack factor. You have to keep a check on the relevant numbers in case of the calculation of the total cholesterol.

It is therefore advised that the total cholesterol should be less than 200mg/DL. Always keep in mind that the LDL should be less than 130mg/DL and the HDL has to be 60 or higher. The ratio of the total cholesterol to the HDL has to be less than 5. The triglycerides have to be less than 150. The relevant tests of the total cholesterol have to be performed on men above the age of 40.

So, it is recommended to have a complete cholesterol check on women above the age of 50. Women should also do the cholesterol check after menopause. It is good for diabetics in case they have a cholesterol check. Smokers and men with the erectile dysfunctional ties need a complete cholesterol check. The total cholesterol is the sum of the LDL, HDL and the VLDL. In case, you want to lower the LDL levels, you need to make certain changes in your lifestyle.