How to read your Cholesterol (Lipid) panel
As a health coach, I'm often asked if regular doctor checkups are necessary. The answer is a resounding yes. It's crucial to know your health numbers early, especially cholesterol levels, as it allows for timely lifestyle adjustments to correct or reverse potential issues. Understanding how to read your cholesterol panel is key, as total cholesterol alone isn't the most accurate indicator of health.
As a health coach, I'm often asked if regular doctor checkups are necessary. The answer is a resounding yes. It's crucial to know your health numbers early, especially cholesterol levels, as it allows for timely lifestyle adjustments to correct or reverse potential issues. Understanding how to read your cholesterol panel is key, as total cholesterol alone isn't the most accurate indicator of health.
Here are a few things you should know right away:
Total cholesterol number is not the most crucial number.
Discuss your results with your doctor thoroughly.
Evaluate all values with your doctor to determine the next steps.
Assess your lifestyle to see what changes can improve your health.
For brevity, this article won't define LDL, HDL, triglycerides, or total cholesterol, but understanding how to interpret your cholesterol results is essential.
Interpreting a Standard Lipid Panel:
The two numbers you are most interested in are the Triglyceride and HDL levels
HDL should be >45 in men and >50 for women
LDL should be less than three times the HDL value.
The LDL to HDL ratio, together with triglyceride levels <150, indicated that a person’s fat-distribution system, lipoproteins, and diet are healthy
If your Triglycerides are > 150 and/or The HDL level is <40, it’s very likely that your lipoprotein cycle is disrupted
Doctors may focus on high total cholesterol and recommend statins. However, it's important to remember that medications come with costs, both financial and health-related. While medication has its place, a healthy lifestyle is crucial for reversing or preventing health issues.
When visiting your doctor, be prepared. If your results show values out of range, inform your doctor about your intention to make lifestyle changes. Consider working with a health coach and ask if you can retest in six months. Most doctors will agree to this approach, despite it not being their first suggestion. Remember, medical doctors receive limited nutrition education.
High cholesterol can often be reversed through small lifestyle changes. I'm here to help you navigate this journey and support you every step of the way.
Lida Johnson, Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Certified Nutritionist, and Personal Trainer. www.HeadToToeCoaching.com or [email protected] 203.260.2880.
