Cholesterol and Lipid Profile: Understanding Your Numbers
Total cholesterol alone tells only part of the story. LDL, HDL and triglycerides together matter far more.
The four main numbers
- LDL (“bad” cholesterol): lower is usually better.
- HDL (“good” cholesterol): higher is usually better.
- Triglycerides: another blood fat, raised by excess sugar, alcohol and weight gain.
- Total cholesterol: the sum of the above plus a fraction of triglycerides.
A lipid profile is usually done after 9–12 hours of fasting. Your doctor reads it with your blood pressure, sugar, weight, smoking and family history — not in isolation.
Disclaimer: This article is general health information only, not medical advice. Consult a doctor for personal health decisions, symptoms, or test results.
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