Cholesterol, Home Testing Devices

The American Heart Association hasn't taken a position on cholesterol home testing devices. Several devices are on the market. Some measure only total cholesterol. Others measure total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol. One measures low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats).

Background

Cholesterol plays a major role in a person's heart health. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. That's why it's important for all people to know their cholesterol level. They should also learn about their other risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

The American Heart Association endorses the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines for detection of high cholesterol. The Third Report of the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III or ATP III) was released in 2001. It recommends that everyone age 20 and older have a fasting "lipoprotein profile" every five years. This test is done after a 9–12-hour fast without food, liquids or pills. It gives information about total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

If a fasting lipoprotein profile isn't possible, the values for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol are still useful. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or more, or your HDL cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL (for men) or less than 50 mg/dL (for women), you need to have a follow-up lipoprotein profile done to determine your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Your healthcare provider will set appropriate management goals based on your LDL cholesterol level and your other risk factors. (See Cholesterol Levels in this Guide.)

Initial classification based on total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).

Total Cholesterol Level	Category
Less than 200 mg/dL	Desirable level that puts you at lower risk for heart disease. A cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher raises your risk.
200 to 239 mg/dL	Borderline-high.
240 mg/dL and above	High blood cholesterol. A person with this level has more than twice the risk of coronary heart disease as someone whose cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL.

HDL Cholesterol Level	Category
Less than 40 mg/dL (men) Less than 50 mg/dL (women)	Low HDL cholesterol. A major risk factor for heart disease.
60 mg/dL and above	High HDL cholesterol. An HDL of 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease.

Related AHA publications:

Heart and Stroke Facts
Your Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol with TLC - Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes
Making Healthy Food and Lifestyle Choices brochure
Know the Facts, Get the Stats
Easy Food Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating (also in Spanish)
"What Do My Cholesterol Levels Mean?" and "How Can I Lower High Cholesterol?" in Answers By Heart kit (also in Spanish kit)
"What Are High Blood Cholesterol and Triglycerides?" and "What Is Cholesterol-Lowering Medicine?" in Answers By Heart kit

AHA Scientific Statements on Cholesterol