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Cholesterol
What is the cholesterol count?
When the cholesterol level is measured in a blood sample
(taken after the patient has fasted for several hours), the levels of all
forms of cholesterol can be calculated. Cholesterol levels in the blood rise
slightly with age, and women generally have a higher HDL-cholesterol level than men.
In the UK, the average total cholesterol level is 5.7mmol/l.
The levels of total cholesterol fall into the following categories:
- ideal level: cholesterol level in the blood less than 5mmol/l.
- mildly high cholesterol level: between 5 to 6.4mmol/l.
- moderately high cholesterol level: between 6.5 to 7.8mmol/l.
- very high cholesterol level: above 7.8mmol/l.
However, it is now recognised that the significance of any particular cholesterol
level cannot be assessed without taking into account the ratio between good and bad
cholesterol (either total-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio or LDL-cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio)
or the presence of other cardiovascular risks, such as smoking, diabetes and high
blood pressure (hypertension). It is possible for someone to have a high level of
total cholesterol and still have a relatively low cardiovascular risk because of
an absence of other risk factors or because their family history is free from coronary disease.
Anyone with an established track record of cardiovascular disease such as angina
pectoris, a previous myocardial infarction, coronary angioplasty or coronary bypass
surgery should seek advice to keep their total cholesterol level below 5mmol/l or
their LDL below 3mmol/l.
Next: High Cholesterol >>
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