Customer question:
What are the average values for cholesterol? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Average cholesterol values can vary depending on age, gender, diet, physical activity, genetics, and other factors. However, health professionals often use general guidelines for normal blood cholesterol levels.
Here are the average values for cholesterol:
- Total Cholesterol: An average total cholesterol level usually is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood.
- LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol): An average LDL cholesterol level is less than 100 mg/dL. If you have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks or strokes, your doctor may recommend even lower LDL cholesterol target levels, such as less than 70 mg/dL.
- HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol): Higher HDL cholesterol levels are desirable because HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. Usually, an average HDL cholesterol level is more than 40 mg/dL in men and more than 50 mg/dL in women.
- Triglycerides: A normal blood triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dL.
Can you measure your cholesterol at home?
Yes, cholesterol can also be measured at home using portable cholesterol-measuring devices. These devices, also called blood cholesterol meters with cholesterol test strips, are available in pharmacies without a prescription.
The procedure for measuring cholesterol at home is simple and includes the following steps:
- The device for measuring cholesterol must first be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually involves inserting a test strip into the meter and turning on the device.
- Before taking blood, it is necessary to select a finger and clean it with an alcohol pad or soap and water. Then, it makes sense to gently massage the finger to stimulate blood circulation.
- A blood collection device and a sterile lancet are used to pierce the skin on the selected finger and obtain a small drop of blood.
- A drop of blood is applied to the test strip, which is already inserted into the meter, and we wait a few seconds for the device to measure the cholesterol level in the blood.
- After testing is complete, the device will display the results, usually in units of milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). You can compare these results with your cholesterol target values and forward them to your doctor for further interpretation.
Home cholesterol testing can provide quick and easy information about your cholesterol levels and allow you to monitor your heart health in the comfort of your home. However, it is important to know that devices for measuring cholesterol at home are less accurate than laboratory tests, so visiting a doctor for the final diagnosis and treatment planning is recommended. In addition, it is important to be aware of factors that can affect the accuracy of results, such as diet, physical activity, and medication use.
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