Before you know your goal, you should know your cholesterol numbers. And the only way to know your cholesterol numbers is for your doctor to do a blood test. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends that all adults aged 20 years and older have their cholesterol levels checked at least every 5 years.
Total Cholesterol
Your total cholesterol level is a measure of all the cholesterol in your blood, including LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol. Your doctor may choose to focus on your LDL (bad) cholesterol rather than total cholesterol because it is considered a better measure of heart disease risk.
LDL (bad) cholesterol
The higher your LDL (bad) cholesterol number, the greater your risk of developing heart disease. That’s because too much LDL (bad) cholesterol in your bloodstream can build up in your arteries increasing your risk of heart disease.
Take a look at the charts below. They will give you an idea of what your cholesterol levels mean.
Total Cholesterol Level (mg/dL) |
Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 200 | Desirable |
| 200–239 | Borderline high |
| 240 and above | High |
| LDL Cholesterol Level (mg/dL) | LDL Cholesterol Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 100 | Optimal |
| 100–129 | Near optimal/above optimal |
| 130–159 | Borderline high |
| 160–189 | High |
| 190 and above | Very high |
Source: The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP).
What is my LDL goal?
Your doctor will determine the LDL (bad) cholesterol level that is right for you, based on your risk of developing heart disease. Find out from your doctor what your cholesterol numbers mean so you can work together to manage your cholesterol.
Talk to your doctor to see if a cholesterol medicine like ZETIA can help you reach your LDL (bad) cholesterol goal.
Unlike some statins, ZETIA has not been shown to prevent heart disease or heart attacks.
Important Risk Information
About ZETIA (ezetimibe)
ZETIA is a prescription medicine and should not be taken by people who are allergic to any of its ingredients. ZETIA can be taken alone or with a statin. Statins should not be taken by women who are nursing or pregnant or who may become pregnant, or by anyone with liver problems. If you have ever had liver problems or are pregnant or nursing, your doctor will decide if ZETIA alone is right for you. Your doctor may do blood tests to check your liver before you start taking ZETIA with a statin and during treatment.
Unexplained muscle pain or weakness could be a sign of a rare but serious side effect and should be reported to your doctor right away. In clinical studies, patients reported few side effects while taking ZETIA. These included diarrhea, joint pains, and tiredness.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch or
call 1-800-FDA-1088.
