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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Cholesterol Test

Results and Values

What do the test results mean?

Total cholesterol results are evaluated as follows:

desirable range is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL

borderline-high is 200 to 239 mg/dL

high cholesterol is 240 mg/dL or greater

Abnormally high levels of blood cholesterol may indicate the following:

atherosclerosis

biliary cirrhosis, which is scarring and blockage of the bile ducts

diet high in cholesterol, saturated fats, calories, or transfats

familial hyperlipidemia, a condition in which high blood lipids run in a family

heart attack

high stress

hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland

lack of exercise

nephrotic syndrome, which is a kidney disease resulting in loss of protein in the urine

overweight or obesity

uncontrolled diabetes

Abnormally low levels of cholesterol may indicate the following:

hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland

liver disease

malabsorption, or inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestines

malnutrition

A person's LDL level is also extremely important in evaluating his or her risk for CHD.

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