Cholesterol Levels
A cholesterol test can measure:
- total cholesterol – the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both "good" and "bad" cholesterol
- total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio (TC:HDL) – the level of good cholesterol in your blood compared to your overall cholesterol level
- good cholesterol (called HDL) – this makes you less likely to have heart problems or a stroke
- bad cholesterol (called LDL and non-HDL) – this makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke
- triglycerides – a fatty substance similar to bad cholesterol
When you get your result, you may just be told your total cholesterol. You might be able to get separate results for your good and bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and your total cholesterol to HDL ratio. Ask your doctor or nurse.
Check what your cholesterol levels should be
This is just a guide. The levels you should aim for might be different. Ask your doctor or nurse what your levels should be.
Healthy levels for different types of cholesterol
Result | Healthy level (mmol/L) |
Total cholesterol | 5 or below |
HDL (good cholesterol) | 1 or above |
Non-HDL (bad cholesterol) | 4 or below |
Fasting triglycerides (when you're asked not to eat for several hours before the test) | 1.7 or below |
Non-fasting triglycerides (when you eat as normal before the test) | 2.3 or below |
Total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio | 6 or below |
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