I can't begin to tell you how many people have cholesterol levels over 200, which is supposed to be the normal cholesterol level.  Why are we so fixated with the cholesterol level?  As you probably know by now, elevated cholesterol levels are associated with a higher risk for heart disease.  Why do some patients get frustrated about their cholesterol levels?  Well some patients no matter they eat…chicken…fish…vegetables until they are coming out their ears still manage to have elevated levels.  As you probably know by now ….the genes controlling your cholesterol level can be more important than your actual food intake.

Random, non-fasting cholesterols give us an approximate idea of your cholesterol level.  To get an accurate cholesterol level with the associated cholesterol components..i.e. HDL and LDL cholesterol..you must be fasting for 9 to 12 hours.  This is called a lipid profile.

Matter of fact the lipid profile will reveal the triglycerides as well as the total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and the LDL cholesterol.

The level of total cholesterol we feel acceptable is less than 200, taking into account, the lower the better.

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