Program is required to provide appropriate interpretation of cholesterol screening results, including a caution that a single measurement neither excludes nor establishes a diagnosis of their blood cholesterol.
Follow national guidelines –
Total Cholesterol
Desirable cholesterol < 200 mg/dl
Borderline cholesterol 200 – 239 mg/dl
High cholesterol > 240 mg/dl
HDL
Desirable HDL > 35 mg/dl
Low HDL < 35 mg/dl
Refer cholesterol screening participants to medical care as follows –
Total Cholesterol
< 200 mg/dl Recheck cholesterol in five years, if history of coronary heart illness or if two or more CHD risk factors are detected refers to risk reduction program or health experts, as appropriate.
200 - 239 mg/dl When history of CHD or when two or more other risk factors are detected, refer to medical care or risk reduction service within two months; when no reported history of CVD or less than two other risk factors, reassess cholesterol status within 1-2 years.
> 240mg/dl Refer to medical care within two months.
HDL
> 35 mg/dl If fewer than 2 risk factors and borderline sum cholesterol, refer to risk reduction service, as appropriate. Reassess HDL in 1-2 years.
Give the following –
• The relationship of blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other risk factors.
o Risk factors include – high blood pressure 140/90 or higher or on hypertension medication; current cigarette use of tobacco; family history of premature CHD; diabetes mellitus; age – male > 45 years, female > 55 years or premature menopause without estrogen replacement therapy.
o Negative risk factor – high HDL 60 mg/dl or greater (subtract one risk factor).
o Risk factors such as family history, tobacco use, high fat or other unhealthy diet, andphysical inactivity lead to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Definitions and causes of high blood cholesterol and HDL, desirable levels, the meaning and limitations of a single measurement, the cause of variability, and the need for multiple measurements before diagnosis.
• Wide range of treatment choices, including diet (e.g., importance of controlling fat intake less than 30% of sum calories from fat, less 10% saturated fats), less than 300 mg. of cholesterol per day, well-balanced diet, weight maintenance or reduction, exercise, and medication.
• Importance of following prescribed treatment and expert advice.
