Cholesterol test: how to understand and reference values

  • 19.1.2018

Total cholesterol should always be below 190 mg / dL. Having high total cholesterol does not always mean that the person is sick, as it can occur due to an increase in good cholesterol (HDL), which also raises the values ​​of total cholesterol. Thus, the values ​​of HDL cholesterol (good), LDL cholesterol (bad) and triglycerides should always be taken into account to analyze a person's risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Symptoms of high cholesterol only appear when their values ​​are very high. Therefore, after 20 years of age it is recommended to perform blood tests for cholesterol at least every 5 years in healthy individuals and on a more regular basis, at least once a year, by those who are already diagnosed with high cholesterol. , who has diabetes or who is pregnant, for example. Reference values ​​for blood cholesterol control vary according to age and health status.

Cholesterol values ​​in pregnancy

Cholesterol reference values ​​are not yet established during pregnancy, so pregnant women should be based on the reference values ​​of healthy adults, but always under medical supervision. During pregnancy, cholesterol levels are usually high, especially in the second and third semesters. Women who have gestational diabetes should be given extra attention, as their cholesterol levels tend to rise further. See how to lower high cholesterol in pregnancy.

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