Types

• Cholesterol is an important normal body constituent used in the structure of cell membranes, synthesis of bile acids , and synthesis of steroid hormones . Since cholesterol is water insoluble, most serum cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins (Chylomicrons, VLDL,LDL and HDL) . 
• A small amount of Cholesterol circulates in the bl...

Description

• Normal range : <200 mg/dl
• Boderline high : 200-240 mg/dl
• High risk : >240 mg/dl

For children and Adolescents:

• Acceptable : <170 mg/dl
• Boderline 170 -200 mg/dl
• High >200 mg/dl

When to get Tested

• As a screening test for adults with no risk factors for heart disease
• When a person has one or more risk factors for heart disease( Cigarette smoking, Being overweight or Obese, old age , Pre existing heart disease, diabetes)

Elevated Level

• Biliary cirrhosis
• Familial hyperlipidemia
• High cholesterol diet
• Hypothyroidism
• Nephritic syndrome
• Uncontrolled diabetes 
• pregnancy
• Oophorectomy may increase cholesterol levels 
• Drugs - ACTH, Anabolic steroids , Beta adrenergic blocking agents , Corticosteroids , Epinephrine, Oral contraceptives , Phenytoin , Sulphonamides , Diuretics and Vit D

Decreased Level

• Hyperthyroidism
• Liver diseases
• Mal absorption
• Malnutrition
• Pernicious Anaemia
• Sepsis
• Drugs - Allopurinol, Androgens , Captopril, Colchicines , Lovastatin , Niacin, Nitrates