Cholesterol Measurement and Education
A program is required to support appropriate interpretation of cholesterol evaluation results, including a caution that a single measurement neither excludes nor establishes a diagnosis of their blood cholesterol.
Follow national ground rules:
Total Cholesterol
Desirable cholesterol < 200 mg/dl
Borderline cholesterol 200 – 239 mg/dl
High cholesterol > 240 mg/dl
HDL
Desirable HDL > 35 mg/dl
Low HDL < 35 mg/dl
Refer cholesterol evaluation participants to medical as follows:
Total Cholesterol
< 200 mg/dl Recheck cholesterol in five years, if history of coronary heart disease or if two or more CHD risk factors are detected refers to risk reduction program or health professionals, as appropriate.
200 – 239 mg/dl If history of CHD or if two or more other risk factors are detected, refer to medical or risk reduction service within two months; if no stated history of CVD or less than two other risk factors, reassess cholesterol status within 1-2 years.
> 240mg/dl Refer to medical within two months.
HDL
> 35 mg/dl If fewer than 2 risk factors and borderline total cholesterol, refer to risk reduction service, as appropriate. Reassess HDL in 1-2 years.
Provide the following:
• The relationship of blood lipids, high Blood Pressure (BP), and other risk factors.
o Risk factors include: high Blood Pressure (BP) 140/90 or higher or on hypertension medication; current tobacco use; family history of premature CHD; diabetes mellitus; age – male > 45 years, female > 55 years or premature menopause without estrogen replacement therapy.
o Negative risk factor: high HDL 60 mg/dl or greater (subtract one risk factor).
o Risk factors such as family history, smoking, high fat or other unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise lead to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Definitions and causes of high blood lipids and HDL, desirable levels, the meaning and limitations of a single measurement, the cause of variability, and the need for multiple measurements prior to diagnosis.
• Wide range of treatment options, including diet (e.g., effect of controlling fat intake less than 30 percent of total calories from fat, less 10 percent saturated fats), less than 300 mg. of cholesterol per day, well-balanced diet, weight maintenance or reduction, exercise, and medication.
• Importance of following prescribed treatment and professional advice.
