Veggie Blog

A cholesterol test report is full of numbers, and it is easy to feel lost. Knowing what each one means makes it much simpler to see where you stand and what, if anything, to change. Here is a plain guide to the main numbers, with the levels that MedlinePlus lists as healthy for most adults.

What does a cholesterol test measure?

A standard blood test, called a lipid panel, shows your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. LDL is often called “bad” cholesterol because it is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries. HDL is the “good” kind, because it helps remove cholesterol from your arteries. Triglycerides are not cholesterol, but they are another type of fat in the blood, and they can also raise your risk of heart disease. Some reports also give a non-HDL number, which is your total cholesterol minus your HDL.

Your doctor may ask you to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test, which means nothing but water. Follow the instructions you are given.

What are healthy levels?

MedlinePlus gives these general targets for adults aged 20 and older, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL): total cholesterol under 200, non-HDL under 130, and LDL under 100. HDL of 60 or more is best, and below 40 in men or below 50 in women is considered low. Triglycerides are normal below 150, borderline high at 150 to 199 and high at 200 or more. Your own targets may differ with your age, blood pressure, weight, family history and other conditions, so ask your doctor what they should be for you.

Why does the balance matter?

Having a lot of LDL and little HDL is what puts you at risk. Over time, extra LDL helps form plaque on artery walls, which can narrow them, and this can lead to heart attack or stroke. A high number is not a diagnosis of anything by itself, but it is a warning that is worth acting on while you can still do so with food and exercise.

How can you improve your numbers?

There are four main routes, and they usually work best together.

Eat for your heart. Eat less saturated fat from fatty meat, butter and full-fat dairy, and more fish, fruit, nuts, oats and vegetables. See our guides on how to lower cholesterol through diet and a diet to lower cholesterol.

Move more. Regular physical activity lowers LDL and triglycerides and raises HDL. Our post on exercise and cholesterol explains how much to aim for.

Aim for a healthy weight. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute notes that adults with overweight or obesity can lower LDL and raise HDL by losing only 3% to 5% of their weight.

Take medicine if your doctor recommends it. Several kinds exist, including statins, ezetimibe and bile acid sequestrants. Read more in our post on when lifestyle is enough and when medicine helps. Some of these drugs have side effects, so your doctor should explain them to you before prescribing.

How often should you get tested?

Practice varies with your age and risk, but according to MedlinePlus, younger adults aged 21 to 65 should generally have the test every 5 years, and men aged 45 to 65 and women aged 55 to 65 every 1 to 2 years. People older than 65 should be tested every year. If cholesterol problems, early heart disease or diabetes run in your family, your doctor may suggest testing sooner or more often. A regular checkup costs far less than treating a heart attack, and it gives you the chance to prevent one.