February 24: Understand Your Lab Results

Okay, you've just found out you have high cholesterol.  Now what?  Well, you need to know the breakdown of your "lipid panel" in order to decide what changes will be most effective.

The lipid panel includes: 

Total Cholesterol

HDL (good) cholesterol

LDL (bad) cholesterol

Triglycerides (or VLDL cholesterol)

Here's the first step to take depending on which number is elevated:

If LDL cholesterol is elevated, reduce saturated and trans fat intake.

If triglycerides are elevated, cut back on sugar and alcohol in your diet.

If HDL cholesterol is low, increase your physical activity.