Why does my provider look at more than my total cholesterol number?

Total cholesterol combines information that needs to be separated and understood. LDL, HDL and triglycerides tell different parts of the story, and treatment decisions also depend on your overall heart and stroke risk. American Heart Association.

Age, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and personal or family history can affect that discussion. Two people with similar cholesterol results may therefore receive different recommendations.

The goal is to reduce meaningful health risk, not simply make every number look the same for every patient.

Next: Ask Valerie which part of your results matters most and what the proposed treatment is intended to improve.