When you get your cholesterol test results, you see a set of numbers. When your doctor looks at the same report, they see a complex story about your cardiovascular risk. Understanding what they’re looking for can help you become a more active participant in your own health.
LDL-C: The Primary Target. The Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol is the headline number. Your doctor isn’t just looking at whether it’s “high”; they’re comparing it to a specific target based on your personal risk profile. For a low-risk person, under 100 mg/dL might be fine. For someone who’s had a heart attack, the target is much lower, often under 70 or even 55 mg/dL.
HDL-C: The Protective Factor. High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol is your “good” cholesterol. Here, higher is better. A low HDL (typically under 40 mg/dL for men, 50 for women) is a red flag, even if LDL is normal. It suggests your body isn’t efficiently clearing cholesterol from your arteries.
Triglycerides: The Energy Fat. This number gives clues about your overall metabolic health, especially your carbohydrate intake. High triglycerides are an independent risk factor for heart disease. Your doctor is particularly concerned when they see high triglycerides paired with low HDL, as this is a key feature of atherogenic dyslipidaemia.
The Ratios: The Bigger Picture. Often, doctors will look at ratios, like your Total Cholesterol-to-HDL ratio or your Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio. These can sometimes provide a better snapshot of your overall risk than any single number. A high ratio, even with a decent LDL, can indicate a problem with the size and density of your cholesterol particles.
By seeing the full narrative, not just the numbers, your doctor can craft a personalized strategy to keep your heart health story from having an unhappy ending.