Lipid, Glucose, and Blood Pressure Breakdown-what do the numbers mean?

The Lipid Breakdown

Lipid (fat) tests are performed in order to obtain information about a person’s cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. All four of these numbers work synergistically and it is best to achieve adequate levels in all four areas.

These areas include:

  • Cholesterol is produced by our bodies and we obtain additional cholesterol from animal‐based foods. Our bodies use cholesterol to assist with cell and hormone production. However, too much cholesterol can cause clogging of the arteries.
  • Triglycerides are forms of fat which we obtain from food and store in our bodies. Most people with high triglyceride levels often have high cholesterol levels as well.
  • LDL (bad) is another form of cholesterol which circulates within our bodies and can clog the arteries with excess build‐up. Going outside of the recommended ranges for cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL contributes to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke.
  • HDL (good) usually consists of about 1/4 to 1/3 of total blood cholesterol and can PROTECT against heart attacks by removing LDL cholesterol from the arteries and slowing down its build‐ up. For this reason, we want to have highest amount HDL levels possible.

Optimum Lipid Levels:

Lipid Values
Cholesterol Less than 200mg/dl
Triglycerides Less than 150mg/dl
LDL Less than 100mg/dl
HDL More than 45mg/dl in men
More than 55mg/dl in women

The Glucose Breakdown

Glucose is extremely important for our bodies. The measurement of glucose in the blood is used as a precursor for insulin resistance or insulin deficiency which can result in diabetes and cardiovascular complications such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. When glucose enters the body, insulin is stimulated to help transport the glucose to specific areas to be metabolized. Insulin also helps to break down glucose. When people have high glucose levels, it may mean that either the insulin is not being produced by the pancreas or is not functioning to remove glucose from the blood. Pre‐Diabetes is the intermediate metabolic state between normal and diabetic glucose homeostasis. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that results in the permanent destruction of insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. Type 1 is lethal unless treated with exogenous insulin via injections to replace the missing hormone. Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, relative insulin deficiency, and hyperglycemia. It is often managed by engaging in exercise and diet modification.

Optimum Fasting Glucose Levels:

  Fasting Glucose
Normal Less than 100mg/dl
Pre-Diabetes 100-125mg/dl
Diabetes More than 126mg/dl

The Blood Pressure Breakdown

Our blood pressure is very important. It provides us with a consistent measurement for the pumping of the heart and blood. When blood pressure is increased to an undesirable rate, people are at risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and renal disease. Blood pressure is defined as systolic over diastolic (cardiac output by peripheral resistance). Blood pressure is basically the resistance in the blood vessel to the flow of the blood, so when the diameter of the blood vessel is decreased, blood flow is affected and reduced which increases blood pressure and causes strain on the heart. Elevated blood pressure levels, or pre‐hypertension, should be taken very seriously because they can lead to hypertension if left untreated.

Optimum Blood Pressure Levels:

  Blood Pressure
Normal Less than 120/80
Pre-Hypertensive 120-139/80-89
Hypertensive More than 140/90