What cholesterol level is too high?

Total cholesterol above 200 is borderline. LDL above 130 is borderline high, above 160 is high. Optimal LDL is below 100 mg/dL.

Can high cholesterol be reversed?

Yes. Dietary changes (reduce saturated fat, increase fiber), exercise, and weight loss can lower cholesterol 10-30%. Statins can reduce LDL by 30-50%.

Should I also check ApoB?

Yes. ApoB is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone. JustLabs offers ApoB for $20.

How often should I retest?

Every 3-6 months after starting treatment. Every 5 years for routine screening. Annually if you have risk factors.

Can I order advanced lipid tests?

Yes. JustLabs offers standard lipid panel ($7), ApoB ($20), Lp(a) ($18), and hs-CRP ($13) for comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment.

Cholesterol Alto: Qué Significa y Qué Hacer

High cholesterol (total above 200 mg/dL or LDL above 130 mg/dL) increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. It causes no symptoms, making lab testing the only way to detect it. Lifestyle changes and statin medications effectively lower high cholesterol.

¿Qué Causa Cholesterol Alto?

Diet

Saturated fat, trans fat, and excess calories raise LDL cholesterol. The typical American diet is a primary contributor.

Genetics

Familial hypercholesterolemia affects about 1 in 250 people and causes very high LDL from birth.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of exercise raises LDL and lowers protective HDL cholesterol.

Obesity

Excess weight raises triglycerides and LDL while lowering HDL.

Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid slows cholesterol clearance, causing elevated LDL. Always check TSH when cholesterol is high.

Síntomas Asociados

None — high cholesterol is a "silent" conditionOnly detected through blood testsLong-term: chest pain, heart attack, stroke if untreated

Qué Hacer a Continuación

1. Repetir la prueba para confirmar

Un solo resultado anormal debe confirmarse con una segunda prueba. Factores temporales como estrés, enfermedad o medicamentos pueden afectar los resultados.

Reordenar Cholesterol

2. Pruebas relacionadas a considerar

ApoB

$20

Measures ApoB protein found on LDL particles. Better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL-C alo...

Ordenar Prueba

Lp(a)

$18

Genetic marker for cardiovascular risk. Elevated Lp(a) increases risk of heart disease independent o...

Ordenar Prueba

hs-CRP

$13

Measures inflammation marker associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Low-grade inflammation ind...

Ordenar Prueba

TSH

Measures thyroid-stimulating hormone to evaluate thyroid function. TSH is the most sensitive marker ...

Ordenar Prueba

3. Cuándo consultar un médico

Si su Cholesterol es significativamente anormal, si tiene síntomas severos, o si resultados repetidos confirman la anomalía, consulte a un profesional de salud para evaluación y tratamiento apropiado.

Ver rangos normales de Cholesterol →

Condiciones Relacionadas

Colesterol Alto Hipertensión Hipotiroidismo

Frequently Asked Questions

Esta página es solo para fines informativos y no constituye consejo médico. Consulte a un profesional de salud para la interpretación de sus resultados.

Content reviewed for accuracy by the JustLabs editorial team.