Seeing the numbers change for the better is proof that the program is working for you. The following is a limited, brief explanation to help give you basic understanding of the the meaning and normal values of these tests. For more information, ask your physician for an interpretation of your test results. The cholesterol level in your blood is a highly useful indicator in your health profile. To reduce plaque and heart attack risk, you should keep your cholesterol under 150.
Cholesterol levels provide information about many risks.
Even small changes can have huge effects. The typical range in Americans is between 29 and 77. In the process of lowering total cholesterol, HDL may also come down for a while. As total cholesterol is lowered, HDL will also often decline, sometimes causing the ratio to rise. This is not always a cause for serious concern, as the ratio has less significance as the total cholesterol level gets closer to 150.