cholesterol is one of the most tested lipids in the body, cholesterol is sometimes only associated with arteriosclerotic vascular disease.
Cholesterol, however, is an important component of the body and is necessary for the production of bile acids, steroids, and cellular membranes. In addition, cholesterol plays a role in maintaining the skin's resistance to water-soluble substances and prevents excess evaporation of water from the body.
About 75% of cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream via low density lipoproteins, and the remaining 25% is bound to high-density
lipoproteins. In the past, blood cholesterol was reported only as total
cholesterol.
Current laboratory practices include the measurement of high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, and very-low-density lipoproteins.
Normal Ranges. Normal ranges of cholesterol will vary with age, diet, and geographic location. Since there are many variables that affect plasma cholesterol levels, most references give a desirable range based primarily on age.
Under most circumstances, an upper limit of 200 mg/dl or less is desirable.
Adult/elderly
less than 200 mg/dl
Children
120-200 mg/dl
Infant
70-175 mg/dl
Newborn
53-135 mg/dl
Variations from Normal. High levels of cholesterol are associated with atherosclerosis and an increased risk of coronary artery disease .
Other diseases linked to elevated cholesterol include uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, and hypothyroidism.
Type II familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disorder characterized by high levels of plasma cholesterol and early evidence
of atherosclerosis.
of atherosclerosis.
Hyperlipidemia type IIA is another name for type II familial hypercholesterolemia .
Decreased levels of cholesterol occur when cholesterol is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract as in malabsorption syndromes, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, anemia, and sepsis.
Decreased levels of cholesterol occur when cholesterol is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract as in malabsorption syndromes, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, anemia, and sepsis.
Other conditions associated with decreased cholesterol include pernicious anemia, hemolytic jaundice, severe infections, and terminal stages of debilitating diseases such as cancer.
Interfering Circumstances. Pregnancy and removal of the ovaries will cause elevated cholesterol results. Drugs that cause an increased cholesterol level include adrenocorticotropic hormone, anabolic steroids, oral contraceptives, Dilantin, diuretics, and vitaminD.
Decreased cholesterol levels are associated with drugs like allopurinol, androgens, erythromycin, Mevacor, niacin, and nitrates.
