Understanding your cholesterol level is essential for leading a healthy life. Cholesterol can be found in two main forms: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol. Find out your LDL cholesterol level to see whether you have high cholesterol.
Instructions
1. Undergo a total cholesterol test, the cheapest option for evaluating your cholesterol level. Unfortunately, this test does not differentiate between HDL and LDL cholesterol. This diagnostic tool is not meant to lead to any treatment recommendations; instead, it simply gives you a quick look at your cholesterol.
2. Fast in preparation for an LDL cholesterol test. To achieve accurate results, do not eat or drink anything other than water for 12 hours before your test.
3. Undergo an LDL cholesterol test. Your physician will first draw a small blood sample. She will then calculate the amount of bad cholesterol in your bloodstream, through either direct measurement or calculation of fats and cholesterols. Experts disagree on what exactly constitutes a desirable LDL level; a measurement of 70 to 100 mg/dL is a fairly healthy level.
Tags: your cholesterol, cholesterol level, cholesterol test, your cholesterol level
