Comparing And Contrasting A Direct Ldl Cholesterol Test And A Lipid Panel
A lipid panel includes LDL cholesterol and additional tests. The standard lipid panel measures total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. A special formula is then used to calculate LDL cholesterol.
A lipid panel test is routinely prescribed and used much more frequently than direct LDL cholesterol testing. However, it only provides calculated LDL cholesterol results up to a certain level of triglycerides. Once triglycerides levels exceed this cut-off, direct LDL measurements are recommended to obtain accurate LDL cholesterol results.
Comparing And Contrasting A Direct Ldl Cholesterol Test And A Total Cholesterol Test
A total cholesterol test measures the sum of all kinds of cholesterol in a blood sample. In this way, total cholesterol includes the amount of good HDL cholesterol as well as bad types of cholesterol, including LDL cholesterol.
A test of total cholesterol alone does not measure how much LDL cholesterol is present. If a total cholesterol test includes a measurement of HDL cholesterol, it may enable a calculated estimate of LDL cholesterol.
Calculating Your Total Cholesterol Level In 5 Simple Steps
Cholesterol is essential for the metabolism of the human body. It helps the body repair cell membranes, make vitamin D, produce hormones and much more. However, high levels of this in the blood can increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease and subjecting to heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream by three lipoproteins. First, we have the low-density lipoprotein called bad because when in excess increase the risk of accumulating plaque in the arteries and blocking them. Second, we have the high-density lipoprotein considered good because it helps remove fat and extra cholesterol to return to the liver to be eliminated. And third, the very low-density lipoprotein that transport mostly triglycerides and like LDL also triggers plaque buildup on arterial walls. The total cholesterol is the sum of all these three components.
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How Does This Ldl Calculator Work
This health tool computes the LDL cholesterol value from the total cholesterol, HDL, triglyceride levels according to the two formulas used in these cases: the Friedewald and Iranian study . The second formula is often recommended when the triglyceride levels are lower than average, as in the case of those with a low carbohydrate diet.
For your convenience, the LDL calculator allows you to enter the three values in either mg/dL or mmol/L . You will be given the two results in the corresponding measurement unit so that you can further on interpret the results easily.
In case of the 1st tab LDL in mg/dL these are the equations used:
The Friedewald formula: LDL = TC HDL TG / 5.0
The Iranian study formula: LDL = TC / 1.19 + TG / 1.9 HDL / 1.1 38
In case of the 2nd tab LDL in mmol/L these are the formulas behind the algorithm:
The Friedewald equation: LDL = TC HDL TG / 2.17
The Iranian study method: LDL = TC / 1.19 + TG / 0.81 HDL / 1.1 0.98
Get At Least 150 Minutes Of Exercise Every Week
Exercise can help increase your levels of HDL cholesterol which helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. If you add exercise it may also help you to lose weight.
Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days per week at a moderate pace where you can talk but not sing. Choose activities that you will enjoy such as a brisk walk, biking, swimming, or running.
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What Does The Test Measure
A direct LDL cholesterol test measures the amount of cholesterol that is found inside of low-density lipoproteins in a sample of blood.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that contributes to important cell functions. Lipoproteins are particles made of fat and protein that transport cholesterol in the blood, allowing it to move through the body. Although cholesterol is necessary for normal cell activity, having too much cholesterol can have negative health effects.
Cholesterol is categorized into different types by the kind of lipoprotein particle that carries it. LDL cholesterol, which is cholesterol transported inside LDL particles, is referred to as a bad cholesterol because it can accumulate in the arteries and heighten the risk of heart attack, heart disease, and stroke.
Focus On Fruits Vegetables Whole Grains And Beans
Our typical American diet is now abbreviated as SAD by scientists nationwide because its full of foods that do sad things to both hearts and waistlines. Hyperprocessed foods like potato chips and French fries. Sugar-saturated drinks. And fatty, artery-clogging meats and full-fat dairy foods like cheese.
We dont have to become complete vegetarians to get our cholesterol levels into healthy ranges, studies on the Pritikin Program have found, but clearly, the more vegetables, fruits, potatoes, and other naturally-fiber-rich plant foods we eat, the healthier well be.
Plant foods high in soluble fiber are especially beneficial in lowering total and LDL bad cholesterol levels. Good sources include beans , yams, oats , barley, and berries.
For simple tips on bringing more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans into your life, here is a 5-day sample healthy meal plan from the doctors and dietitians at Pritikin Longevity Center.
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If Lifestyle Changes Arent Enough
Take medications, if you need to, to lower your cholesterol into healthy ranges. Drugs like statins can be very effective, says Dr. Danine Fruge, MD, ABFP – Medical Director at the Pritikin Longevity Center, but do continue in your efforts to eat well and exercise because a healthy lifestyle can give you far, far more than drugs alone.
With a healthy living program like Pritikin, youre not only reducing cholesterol quickly, youre also creating changes throughout your body that can profoundly improve your overall well-being. Youre reducing blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Other heart disease risk factors like triglyceride fats are also dropping dramatically. Youre also reducing inflammatory factors that sicken arteries. Youre shedding excess weight. And, quite simply, youre feeling better, much better. Many of our guests at Pritikin tell us, I had no idea I could feel this good again.
Can any pill or combination of pills do all of the above? I highly doubt it. But a healthy lifestyle like Pritikin can.
Taking Time To Stay Active
If a person is not at a moderate weight or has obesity, they may have an increased risk of high LDL cholesterol. If a person is not very active and has a high body mass index , they may need to increase their activity levels.
Adults should aim to complete 150 minutes of physical activity a week. A weekly routine may include 30 minutes of exercise over 5 days. A person could try cardio, for example, such as brisk walking or running. Muscle-strengthening activities such as hill walking or resistance weight training may also help with maintaining moderate weight levels.
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Alcohol And Ldl Levels
Although moderate consumption of alcohol can significantly raise HDL levels, it can also lower LDL, according to studies. Moderate consumption means one serving a day for women and one to two servings per day for men.
However, drinking more alcohol doesnt necessarily equal better results in terms of improving your heart health. Studies have also indicated that drinking more than three alcoholic drinks a day could actually increase your chances of heart disease.
Is 255 Cholesterol Level Good Or Bad
Using the data above, you can see that a 255 LDL Cholesterol level falls into the Very High category. There is also something called HDL Cholesterol, which is often referred to as good cholesterol. The higher the HDL Cholesterol the better. HDL Cholesterol levels of 60 mg/dL or more are considered good.
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How Does This Cholesterol Calculator Work
This tool functions as a total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides and LDL calculator. Do you want to know whether your HDL, LDL levels or the TC/HDL ratio and LDL/ HDL ratio show an increased risk for heart disease?
Use it then to check if your cholesterol levels are in the normal range. All you have to do is input the data from your medical documents.
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A More Accurate Measurement Tool
The traditional Friedewald equation estimates LDL cholesterol this way: total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol minus triglycerides divided by five. For simplicitys sake, the formula applies a one-size-fits-all factor of five to everyone. But Johns Hopkins researchers found that this often makes LDL cholesterol appear lower than it really is for some high-risk patients. The researchers sought a more accurate formula that would take into account specific details about a persons cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Using a database of blood lipid samples from more than 1.3 million Americansalmost 3,000 times larger than the one used to develop the Friedewald equation Johns Hopkins researchers developed a more accurate system for calculating LDL cholesterol. It can be used to make more precise decisions about treatment to prevent heart attack and stroke.
This newer LDL cholesterol formula is being adopted by U.S. laboratories as well as others around the world. The best implementation is direct coding the LDL cholesterol estimation in the lab IT system, which automates the process and saves clinicians time. The formula is also available as a mobile device app called the LDL Cholesterol Calculator. It is available on the iTunes App Store and on Google Play, for those whose lab hasnt adopted it.
Researchers hope the new formula will one day be adopted by all labs that process lipid panels, as it can improve patient care.
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White Blood Cell Count
These cells flood your body when they detect harmful invaders. So a high white blood cell count may be a sign that youâre fighting an infection, allergies, inflammation, or even cancer. A low count may mean bone marrow problems, a weakened immune system from conditions like HIV, or a poor diet. Stress and even too much exercise also can unleash your white blood cells. Normal levels for adults are 3.4 billion to 9.6 billion cells/L.
How To Calculate Total Cholesterol
This article was medically reviewed by Victor Catania, MD. Dr. Catania is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Pennsylvania. He received his MD from the Medical University of the Americas in 2012 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Robert Packer Hospital. He is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine.There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 11 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 187,970 times.
Note: In the information below, a lab test interpretation of the values may vary between labs and between doctors. Always view your lab results and speak to your doctor before coming to any conclusions about your lab test values.
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Question 2 How Is Ldl
LDL-C is most often measured indirectly, using a calculation based on other blood lipid analytes. Historically, the Friedewald calculation2 has been the most common approach. This equation, developed in the 1970s, incorporates total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol , and triglyceride concentrations:
LDL-C = total cholesterol HDL-C ,
where triglycerides/5 is used to represent very low-density lipoprotein-C .
LDL-C concentration can also be measured directly or with newer equations. Quest Diagnostics uses the Martin-Hopkins calculation, as described below, which provides accurate quantitation even in patients with triglyceride values between 200 mg/dL and 400 mg/dL and LDL-C levels below 70 mg/dL.
Consider Plant Sterols And Stanols
Multiple types of supplements show promise for managing cholesterol.
Plant stanols and sterols are plant versions of cholesterol. Because they resemble cholesterol, they are absorbed from the diet like cholesterol.
However, because parts of their chemistry are different from human cholesterol, they do not contribute to clogged arteries.
Instead, they reduce cholesterol levels by competing with human cholesterol. When plant sterols are absorbed from the diet, this replaces the absorption of cholesterol.
Small amounts of plant stanols and sterols are naturally found in vegetable oils and are added to certain oils and butter substitutes.
A research review reported that clinical studies show that taking 1.53 grams of plant sterols/stanols daily can reduce LDL concentration by 7.512%. Researchers said taking it with a main meal twice per day allows for optimal cholesterol-lowering .
Although research has established the cholesterol-lowering benefit of plant stanols and sterols, it has not yet proved that they decrease the risk of heart disease. Numerous clinical trials have suggested that plant sterols supplements and enriched foods may lower heart disease risk, but hard data is still lacking .
summary
Plant stanols and sterols in vegetable oil or margarines compete with cholesterol absorption and reduce LDL by up to 20%. They are not proven to reduce heart disease.
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Who Needs A Lipid Profile
Everyone over 20 should get a full lipid panel every 4-6 years. Kids should have a full lipid profile once ages 9-11 and again ages 17-21. Thatâs partly because high cholesterol and triglycerides may lead to plaque buildup in children and teens. Your doctor may want testing more often if youâre at risk for heart disease or if youâre being treated for high cholesterol. Acceptable total cholesterol for most people under 19 is 170 mg/dL.
How To Improve Your Cholesterol Profile
You can’t change your age or family medical history, both of which can affect your cholesterol levels. However, you can lose weight and boost physical activity, which will help lower your LDL cholesterol and boost HDL. Probably the most important step, though, is changing the way you eat.
Focus on fats. Most of the cholesterol in our bodies does not come directly from cholesterol-containing foods like eggs. Rather, it is made by our bodies from components of food. To improve your cholesterol profile, avoid saturated fats . These fats increase unhealthy LDL levels. Instead, replace some of the saturated fats in your diet with healthier unsaturated fats, which are found in fish, nuts, avocados, and vegetable oils, such as olive oil, canola oil, and safflower oil.
Choose whole grains. Whole-grain breads, pasta, and cereal help prevent dramatic ups and downs in blood sugar and make you feel full longer. Many of these foods con-tain fiber that lowers LDL levels.
Make healthy substitutions. Eat more fruits and vegetables, especially if you substitute these for processed foods like potato chips. And make healthy dairy substitutions: fat-free milk instead of whole milk, or plain yogurt instead of sugar-laden versions.
To help people determine their 10-year risk of a heart attack, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology created an online calculator you can find it at . Using that number, you and your doctor can decide on your best course.
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Use The Numbers To Your Advantage
The AHA believes that absolute numbers for total blood cholesterol and HDL cholesterol are more effective than a ratio in determining cholesterol-lowering treatment. But both are useful in looking at your overall risk. If your total cholesterol level is high, your doctor will also look at the ratio of your total cholesterol to HDL. If that number is below 5 for a man or 4.4. for a woman, placing you at average risk, your doctor may consider this in the overall evaluation of your risk.
Are You Serious About Reducing Cholesterol
If making healthy changes on your own has been a challenge, it may be time to bring in the professionals! Our team of physicians, nutritionists, exercise experts, psychologists, and chefs – specialize in helping people just like you reduce medication and take contol of their health. A vacation at Pritikin will change your life!
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How Do You Calculate Ldl And Non
The sum of Very Low Density Lipoprotein +LDL cholesterol is called non-HDL cholesterol. It is calculated routinely as total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol. In persons with elevated triglycerides , 200 499 mg/dL, most cholesterol occurring in the VLDL fraction is contained in the remnant VLDL, which is thought to be very atherogenic. The non-HDL-C level includes cholesterol carried in several atherogenic lipoproteins, such as LDL, very low-density lipoprotein , intermediate density lipoprotein , and lipoprotein ).
Therefore, in patients with elevated TG levels , treatment of the non-HDL-C level is a secondary target after the LDL-C target has been reached.
When triglycerides are 200 mg/dL, after LDL goal is reached, set secondary goal for non-HDL cholesterol for 30 mg/dL higher than LDL goal.
Avoid Saturated Fats And Fried Food
Fried foods typically have a high amount of trans fatty acids , which elevates the bodyâs LDL level.
Saturated fats can ramp up your bodyâs production of LDL, so reducing your consumption of saturated fats can lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Some experts recommend replacing saturated fat in oneâs diet with soluble, fiber-rich foods like fresh fruit and raw vegetables â as well as with foods that have a low glycemic index â as opposed to carbohydrate-rich meals, which can bump up your triglyceride levels.
It may also be a good idea to eat fewer fried foods and switch to a more nutritious, healthy diet to lower your triglyceride levels and LDL cholesterol . Fried foods typically have a high amount of trans fatty acids , which elevates the bodyâs LDL levels. Staying away from these types of unhealthy foods may help improve your heart health and overall well-being.
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