A male patient is at the clinic for cholesterol testing. Given the following results, which value is abnormal?

Total cholesterol 180 mg/dL
HDL 35 mg/dL
LDL 120 mg/dL
Triglycerides 120 mg/dL

Explanation

•HDLs should be above 45 mg/dL for a male. The goal is 60 (male). If the HDL level is lower, it increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease.

•All other values are normal.

•Triglycerides 40–160 mg/dL (male) and 30–135 mg/dL (female)

•Total cholesterol <200 mg/dL

•HDL >45 mg/dL (male) or  55 mg/dL (female)

•LDL <130 mg/dL

Visit our website for other NCLEX topics now!