Learn how to interpret your cholesterol test results and what they mean for your heart health. Find out the normal ranges, factors that affect your cholesterol levels, and how to lower them. See a video, an animation, and a PDF guide on cholesterol score and LDL cholesterol. Total cholesterol represents the combined amount of "bad" cholesterol (low-density, or LDL) and "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) in your blood. The measurement is then compared to your individual HDL result to gauge your risk for heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure and high LDL (or "bad") cholesterol that is linked to genetics increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease throughout life, a new study reports. In addition Blood cholesterol is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, or mmol/L. As a rough guide, the total levels should be: 5 mmol/L or less for healthy adults. 4 mmol/L or less for those at high risk. LDL levels should be: 3 mmol/L or less for healthy adults. 2 mmol/L or less for those at high risk. Cholesterol is a fatty substance your liver makes that can be bad or good for your heart health. Learn the recommended cholesterol levels by age, sex, and risk factors, as well as the treatment options and lifestyle changes to lower your cholesterol. Find out the difference between LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and more. Diagnosis. High cholesterol is a condition that occurs when levels of cholesterol in your blood are elevated enough to cause health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Sometimes known as .

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