A cholesterol test can measure:
When you get your result, you may just be told your total cholesterol.
You might be able to get separate results for your HDL and non-HDL cholesterol too. Ask your doctor or nurse.
Results of tests you had at your GP surgery, and results that have been shared with your GP surgery, may be available in your online GP health record.
Your GP will use your cholesterol levels along with other factors, such as your age, blood pressure and health conditions, to estimate your risk of cardiovascular disease.
They may give you a score (called a QRISK score) which estimates how likely you are to have a heart or circulation problem over the next 10 years.
What is a good target level for you depends on things like your age, whether you have any health conditions and your risk of cardiovascular disease.
These levels are a guide for healthy adults. If you have been ill, are taking some medicines, or have recently had a baby, your levels may be lower or higher. It does not make much difference to these levels whether you have eaten before your test or not.
Result | Healthy level |
---|---|
Result
Total cholesterol |
Healthy level
Below 5mmol/L |
Result
HDL (good cholesterol) |
Healthy level
Above 1.0mmol/L for men or above 1.2mmol/L for women |
Result
Non-HDL (bad cholesterol) |
Healthy level
Below 4mmol/L |