What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to build healthy cells, but too much can increase your risk of heart disease. When you get a routine blood test in Canada, your doctor will typically check four numbers: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
Breaking Down Each Number
LDL ("Bad" Cholesterol) LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. Think of it as the delivery truck that drops cholesterol off in your arteries. Too much LDL can clog those arteries over time, raising your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Canadian guidelines (Heart & Stroke Foundation): - Optimal: Less than 2.0 mmol/L (for those with high cardiovascular risk) - Borderline high: 3.4–4.1 mmol/L - High: Above 4.1 mmol/L
HDL ("Good" Cholesterol) HDL is high-density lipoprotein. Think of it as the garbage truck — it picks up excess cholesterol and brings it back to your liver to be processed and removed.
Canadian guidelines: - Low (concerning): Below 1.0 mmol/L for men, below 1.3 mmol/L for women - Optimal: Above 1.5 mmol/L
Higher HDL is generally better. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to raise your HDL.
Triglycerides These are a type of fat in your blood. After you eat, your body converts unused calories into triglycerides and stores them. High triglycerides combined with low HDL is a particularly risky combination.
Canadian guidelines: - Normal: Below 1.7 mmol/L - Borderline high: 1.7–2.2 mmol/L - High: Above 2.3 mmol/L
What Can You Do?
If your numbers are outside the healthy range, here are evidence-based steps recommended by Canadian healthcare professionals:
- Diet: Reduce saturated fats (red meat, full-fat dairy) and avoid trans fats entirely. Increase fibre from oats, beans, and vegetables.
- Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, as recommended by the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines.
- Quit smoking: Smoking directly lowers your HDL.
- Medication: If lifestyle changes aren't enough, your GP may recommend statins. These are safe, well-studied drugs that have been shown to significantly reduce cardiovascular events.
When to See a Doctor
If your LDL is above 3.5 mmol/L or your total cholesterol is above 5.2 mmol/L, book an appointment with your GP. They may refer you to a cardiologist or internist depending on your overall risk profile.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed Canadian healthcare professional.
