| Unit | mg/dL |
|---|---|
| Name | milligram per decilitre |
| Category | Blood Cholesterol |
| Details | In the field of blood cholesterol, mg/dL (milligram per deciliter) is a unit of measurement that represents the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. It indicates the mass of cholesterol (in milligrams, mg) present in a given volume of blood (in deciliter, dL). Cholesterol is a fatty substance, or lipid, essential for various bodily functions and cell structure. However, high levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to atherosclerosis, a disease in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Blood cholesterol levels are typically measured in mg/dL to help healthcare professionals determine if an individual has healthy or unhealthy levels of cholesterol in their blood. There are several types of cholesterol, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol. Each type has specific target values in mg/dL, which are used as guidelines to evaluate a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease. |