What is High Cholesterol?

High Cholesterol generally means an increase in total cholesterol levels in the body. Ideally, the total cholesterol level in a healthy person would be less than 200 mg/dl. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is required for normal functioning of the body - across all cell membranes. However, when the levels increase it can form cholesterol plaques or deposits that could clog the arteries, more so in the heart blood vessels. This leads to reduced blood supply to the vital parts and reduced functioning of the organ.

Total cholesterol measures the sum of all types of cholesterol in the blood. It includes Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), High-density lipoproteins (HDL), Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and Triglycerides. The LDL is also called ‘bad cholesterol’ since it augments the process of plaque deposition. The HDL is also called ‘good cholesterol’ since it removes or prevents excess accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels.

Hence, you know that you have high cholesterol when your total cholesterol levels go above the normal. A high total cholesterol level would further indicate a need to do a detailed study of your cholesterol levels in the form of HDL, LDL, VLDL, and Triglycerides. Further testing for these types of cholesterol is done by using VAP testing or Vertical Auto Profile.

A high cholesterol level alerts a person to get cautious about his cholesterol status. When further testing is done, a physician would be able to judge if the patient needs prescription medicines to help lower his cholesterol or if lifestyle modifications would suffice. In addition, the detailed study would help the doctor in identifying the specific group of cholesterol-lowering drugs that would be helpful to the patient.