When it comes to managing heart health, understanding the results from a cholesterol screening is crucial. The lipid panel, a standard blood test, reveals specific biomarkers that help assess your risk for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. In this blog, we’ll break down what biomarkers are, how they relate to cholesterol screening, and what your results mean for your health.

What Are Biomarkers?

Biomarkers are measurable biological indicators that provide essential information about various physiological processes in your body. They are used by healthcare professionals to evaluate disease risks, make diagnoses, and monitor ongoing treatments.

In cholesterol screening, the primary biomarkers include:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein)
• HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein)
• Triglycerides

These indicators are measured through a lipid panel, which helps doctors evaluate the likelihood of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.

Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol represents the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both good and bad cholesterol. Here’s how total cholesterol levels are categorized:

• Desirable: Below 200 mg/dL
• Borderline High Risk: Between 200-239 mg/dL
• High Risk: 240 mg/dL and above

Higher total cholesterol levels indicate a greater risk for plaque buildup in your arteries, which can narrow blood flow and lead to heart attacks or strokes.

LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol)

LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol to the body’s tissues, including the arteries. High levels of LDL can accelerate plaque buildup, leading to clogged arteries and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Risk levels for LDL cholesterol are as follows:

• Ideal: Under 100 mg/dL
• Near-Ideal: 100-129 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL
• High: 160-189 mg/dL
• Very High: 190 mg/dL and above

For those with existing heart disease, a target LDL level of less than 70 mg/dL is recommended and can be achieved through medications.

HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol)

HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it back to the liver for elimination. Higher levels of HDL are beneficial, as they protect against heart disease. The breakdown for HDL levels is:

• Poor: Under 40 mg/dL
• Better: 40-49 mg/dL
• Best: 50 mg/dL and above

Low HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk for heart disease, so boosting HDL through lifestyle changes is encouraged.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the body’s way of storing excess calories, circulating in the blood until needed for energy. Elevated triglycerides are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The categories for triglyceride levels are:

• Normal: Below 150 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 150-199 mg/dL
• High: 200-499 mg/dL
• Very High: Over 500 mg/dL

Why Cholesterol Screening Matters

Cholesterol screenings provide essential data for understanding your cardiovascular health. If your cholesterol biomarkers fall within a borderline or high-risk range, it’s a signal that more proactive steps are necessary. These may include:

• Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle
• Starting prescription cholesterol medications
• Considering nutritional supplements, if appropriate

Regular cholesterol screenings every 5 years allow doctors to track changes over time and adjust treatment plans accordingly. If biomarker levels improve, it may indicate that your management strategies are effective, while worsening values may prompt more intensive interventions.

What Affects Your Biomarker Levels?

Both factors beyond your control and lifestyle choices influence your cholesterol levels.

Non-Modifiable Factors

Some elements, such as age, sex, and genetics, significantly affect your cholesterol levels:

• Age: Cholesterol levels tend to rise as you age.
• Sex: Cholesterol guidelines differ slightly between men and women.
• Genetics: A family history of heart disease can increase your risks, regardless of diet or exercise habits.

Modifiable Factors

You can make lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol levels:

• Diet: Limit your intake of cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars, while focusing on healthy fats, fiber, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
• Weight: Excess weight, especially abdominal fat, can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity, including aerobic and strength training, can increase HDL and lower LDL and triglycerides.
• Smoking: Quitting smoking can raise HDL levels and improve overall cardiovascular health.
• Stress: Chronic stress can lead to higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels, so managing stress is important.
• Medications: If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications like statins, niacin, and fibrates can help manage cholesterol levels.

Partnering With Your Doctor for Better Heart Health

Understanding how lifestyle factors and medications affect your cholesterol biomarkers is essential for managing heart health. Your doctor can guide you through dietary changes, exercise goals, weight management, and stress reduction strategies that align with your specific needs.

By regularly monitoring your cholesterol levels and following your doctor’s advice, you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and take control of your heart health.