Cholesterol (Chol) Lab Values

Overview Cholesterol Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Any special considerations when drawing the lab (i.e. on ice, etc.) Too High: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Too Low: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Nursing Points General Normal values <200 mg/dL Pathophysiology Functions Essential in cell membrane formation Precursor to Vitamin D Precursor to hormone formation Synthesized in liver Lipoproteins High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Removes excess levels of cholesterol Goal >60 mg/dL Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Contributes to plaque buildup Goal <100 mg/dL Excess cholesterol and lipid buildup Contributes to: Atherosclerosis Arteriosclerosis Special considerations Submit in green top tube Ensure patient fasts Food intake can alter results Elevated cholesterol levels Obesity Cushing’s Disease Hypothyroidism Ischemic heart disease Diabetes Liver disease Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Malabsorption For all patients, attempt to decrease cholesterol levels with diet/exercise; If no improvement, incorporate statins (unless immediate concern for impending disease (such as stroke or MI) Decreased cholesterol levels Burns Hyperthyroidism Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia Malnutrition Anorexia Assessment Assess fitness/activity lifestyle and goals Assess nutritional status, goals and lifestyle Therapeutic Management Incorporate low fat diet Incorporate fitness/activity increase as tolerated Nursing Concepts Lab Values Nutrition Patient Education Educate patient on utilizing a low fat/low cholesterol diet Educate patient on appropriate fitness or activity level increase dependent on tolerance