How are blood cholesterol test results interpreted?
Doctors interpret blood cholesterol test results by examining each person’s risk factors. The doctor looks at the presence or absence of risk factors such as existing heart disease, diabetes and other medical and lifestyle conditions to determine the person’s chance of dying from heart disease or having a non-fatal heart attack within 10 years. The doctor will place the patient in either a high, intermediate or low risk category, and can then create an effective treatment plan for that person, either with lifestyle changes, medication or both.
