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A fasting lipid test (lipoprotein test) breaks down cholesterol into four groups:
- Total cholesterol
- Low density lipoproteins (LDL) -- bad cholesterol
- High density lipoproteins (HDL) -- good cholesterol
- Triglycerides
In general, a total cholesterol value over 200 mg/dL may indicate a greater risk for heart disease. However, LDL levels are a better predictor of heart disease and determine how your high cholesterol should be treated.
How you are treated also depends on whether you have any of these additional risk factors for heart disease:
- Diabetes
- Poorly controlled high blood pressure
- Currently smoke
- Being male and over age 45 or female and over age 55
- Having a first-degree female relative diagnosed with heart disease before age 65 or a first-degree male relative diagnosed before age 55.
- Metabolic syndrome (high triglycerides, low HDL, and obesity)
Discuss your results with your health care provider to determine the best therapy for your lifestyle.
Other tests to help determine your risk for heart disease are:
Laboratory tests may be performed to identify secondary causes of lipid disorders if a lipoprotein test is elevated.
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