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Cholesterol

Cholesterol is the basic building block of all steroid hormones, and is an essential component of red blood cells and cell membranes.

It is found in a variety of dietary sources, but can be synthesized by the liver if the diet is deficient in cholesterol.

High levels of cholesterol in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosus and heart disease. There is evidence that lowering of an abnormally high cholesterol with diet, exercise and medications may lead to a reduced risk of atherosclerosus and heart disease.

Total Cholesterol is a measurement of:

  • HDL Cholesterol
  • LDL Cholesterol
  • VLDL Cholesterol
  • Free Cholesterol

HDL (High-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol from the cells back to the liver. High levels of HDL are considered beneficial from a cardiovascular risk perspective...the more the better.

LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) is the breakdown product of VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein), which carries triglycerides. Elevations of LDL and VLDL are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosus and coronary artery disease.

Normal Values*

Total Cholesterol

Desirable 140-200 mg/dl

Borderline

201-239 mg/dl
High >240 mg/dl

HDL Cholesterol

Men 35-70 mg/dl

Women

35-85 mg/dl
Children 30-65 mg/dl

LDL Cholesterol

Desirable <130 mg/dl

Borderline

130-159 mg/dl
High >= 160 mg/dl

VLDL Cholesterol

Normal 25-50% of Total Cholesterol

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.

The information contained here is an abbreviated summary. For more detailed and complete information, consult the manufacturer's product information sheets or standard textbooks

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

Military Obstetrics & Gynecology
© 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Medical Education Division, Brookside Associates, Ltd.
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This information is provided by The Brookside Associates.  The Brookside Associates, LLC. is a private organization, not affiliated with any governmental agency. The opinions presented here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Brookside Associates or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the US Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. All material presented here is unclassified.

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