Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is helping people understand what the numbers on a cholesterol test mean and why knowing these numbers could help protect their heart health.
A cholesterol test can be confusing. The results may include total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, with several numbers next to them.
It is easy to look at the report and wonder: Which number is important? Is my cholesterol too high? Should I be worried?
The answer is that each number tells a different part of the story.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in the blood. Your body needs a small amount of cholesterol to build healthy cells and produce certain hormones.
However, too much of the wrong type of cholesterol can slowly collect inside your arteries. These fatty deposits can narrow the arteries and reduce the flow of blood to the heart and brain.
This may increase your risk of heart disease, a heart attack, or stroke.
High cholesterol usually does not make you feel sick. Most people have no warning signs, which means a blood test is the only way to know whether your cholesterol is too high.
Total Cholesterol: The Overall Number
Total cholesterol is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
For most healthy people, a total cholesterol level below 5 mmol/L is generally considered healthy. However, this number should never be viewed on its own. Your healthcare provider will also look at the different types of cholesterol in your blood.
Important pointer: Do not only ask whether your total cholesterol is high. Ask your doctor or nurse to explain all the numbers on your test.
LDL: The “Bad” Cholesterol
LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. It is often called “bad” cholesterol because too much of it can contribute to fatty deposits inside the arteries.
Think of LDL as a delivery vehicle carrying cholesterol around the body. When there is more cholesterol than the body needs, some of it may be left behind in the artery walls.
For most healthy people, an LDL level below 3 mmol/L is generally considered healthy. People with diabetes, kidney problems, heart disease, or a previous stroke may need a lower personal target.
Important pointer: A high LDL result should not be ignored, even if you feel healthy.
HDL: The “Good” Cholesterol
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. It is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps carry excess cholesterol away from the arteries.
You can think of HDL as part of the body’s cleaning system.
For most healthy people, HDL should generally be above 1.0 mmol/L for men and above 1.2 mmol/L for women.
However, having a good HDL level does not mean that a high LDL level can be ignored. All the results need to be considered together.
Triglycerides: Another Type of Blood Fat
Triglycerides are not cholesterol. They are another type of fat found in the blood.
The body converts energy it does not use right away into triglycerides and stores them for later use. Levels may rise when a person regularly consumes more energy than the body needs.
High triglycerides may be linked to being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, eating large amounts of sugary or highly processed foods, not exercising enough, or having poorly controlled diabetes.
A fasting triglyceride level below 1.7 mmol/L is generally considered healthy. High triglycerides, especially when combined with high LDL or low HDL, can increase the risk of fatty deposits forming in the arteries.
What Can Push Cholesterol Up?
Several factors may affect cholesterol levels, including:
- Eating too many fried foods and foods high in unhealthy fats.
- Not getting enough physical activity.
- Smoking.
- Being overweight.
- Drinking too much alcohol.
- Diabetes, thyroid problems, or kidney disease.
- A family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease.
Some people inherit very high cholesterol from their parents. This means that even people who eat well and exercise may still need treatment.
Important pointer: Tell your healthcare provider if a close relative had a heart attack or stroke at a young age.
Five Simple Ways to Protect Your Heart
Small, realistic changes can help improve cholesterol levels and protect your heart:
- Choose less fried food: Grill, boil, steam, or bake food instead.
- Eat more fibre: Add beans, lentils, oats, vegetables, and fruit to your meals.
- Move more: Walking regularly is a good place to start.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.
- Take prescribed medicine: Never stop cholesterol medicine without speaking to a healthcare professional.
Foods high in saturated and trans fats, including fatty processed meats, chicken skin, butter, cream, pastries, and deep-fried foods, can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.
Do Not Treat the Numbers Yourself
A cholesterol result is not a diagnosis on its own.
Your healthcare provider may also consider your age, blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking habits, weight, family history, and whether you have other health conditions.
A result that is fine for one person may be too high for someone who already has heart disease or another major risk factor.
Understanding your cholesterol numbers gives you the chance to act before serious problems develop. Ask questions, know your results, and follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider.
Affinity Health supports members through its Day-to-Day Plan, which includes an unlimited 24/7 telephonic health and nurse advice line, as well as unlimited GP consultations via referral within the Affinity Health network, making it easier to discuss cholesterol test results, receive professional medical advice, and take the right steps to protect long-term heart health.
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our members peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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