When is your cholesterol too high?

Your cholesterol is too high if your LDL cholesterol is above 3.5 mmol/L. Regular cholesterol measurements and healthy lifestyle choices can help keep your cholesterol under control.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is essential for your body to function properly, but too much cholesterol can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease. In this blog, we explain when your cholesterol is too high, how a cholesterol blood test works, and what the consequences of having too much cholesterol can be.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a substance produced by your liver and also obtained through food. It plays an important role in the production of cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D. Cholesterol travels through your blood in the form of lipoproteins, including Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol because it contributes to fatty deposits in the arteries, while HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood vessels.

What are normal cholesterol levels?

Normal cholesterol levels are as follows:

• Total cholesterol: less than 5.2 mmol/L
• LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol): less than 3.5 mmol/L
• HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol): more than 1.0 mmol/L
• Triglycerides: less than 1.7 mmol/L

A value within these limits means that your cholesterol level is in a healthy range, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

What is a cholesterol blood test?

A cholesterol blood test measures the levels of different types of cholesterol in your blood. At Bloedwaardentest.nl, we always report the LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and the LDL/HDL risk index. These values give a comprehensive picture of your cholesterol profile:

• LDL cholesterol: This is the "bad" cholesterol that can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
• HDL cholesterol: This is the "good" cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from blood vessels.
• LDL/HDL risk index: This ratio gives an indication of cardiovascular risk. An LDL/HDL ratio less than 2.5 indicates low risk, while a ratio greater than 4.0 indicates high risk.

Example of a cholesterol blood test result:

• Total cholesterol: 7.67 mmol/L (norm < 6.50)
• HDL cholesterol: 1.76 mmol/L (norm > 1.17)
• Cholesterol/HDL ratio: 4.4
• LDL cholesterol: 5.15 mmol/L (norm < 3.37)
• LDL/HDL risk index: 2.9 (ratio)
• Triglycerides: 2.07 mmol/L (norm < 2.28)

When is your cholesterol too high?

Your cholesterol is too high if your levels are above normal, especially if your LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) is high and your HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) is low. This increases your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), heart attacks and strokes.

Consequences of high cholesterol

High cholesterol can lead to several health problems:

• Atherosclerosis: Build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can lead to narrowing and hardening of blood vessels.
• Heart attack: If one of the fatty deposits ruptures, it can cause a blood clot that blocks the blood supply to the heart.
• Stroke: When a blood clot blocks the blood supply to the brain, it can cause a stroke.
• Peripheral arterial vascular disease: Narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the limbs, which can cause pain and cramps.

How can you lower your cholesterol levels?

If your cholesterol is too high, there are several ways to lower it:

• Diet: Avoid foods rich in saturated fats and trans fats. Choose foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Exercise: Regular exercise helps to raise HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
• Medication: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins.
• Weight loss: Losing weight can help improve your cholesterol levels, especially if you are overweight.

Follow-up tests to determine the cause of high cholesterol

If your cholesterol levels are too high, additional tests can help identify the cause and create an appropriate treatment plan. At Bloedwaardentest.nl you can take the following tests, among others:

• Lipid spectrum: A detailed analysis of the different fats in your blood.
• Liver function tests: Since the liver plays an important role in cholesterol production, this can help rule out liver problems.
• Thyroid function test: A sluggish thyroid gland can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels.
• Genetic testing: To rule out familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition that leads to high cholesterol levels.

For more information and to better understand your risk of cardiovascular disease, visit our Cardiovascular Disease section.

In summary for you

High cholesterol can have serious consequences for your health, but with the right measures you can keep your cholesterol under control. Regular cholesterol measurements are important to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease and intervene in time if necessary.

At Bloedwaardentest.nl, we offer comprehensive blood tests, including tests to measure cholesterol and other important substances.