High cholesterol test. Understanding High Cholesterol: A Comprehensive Guide to Cholesterol Tests and Management

21.07.202127.07.2023 by alexxlab

What is a cholesterol test? When should you get one? How do your cholesterol numbers affect your health? Find answers to these questions and more in our in-depth guide on managing high cholesterol.

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The Importance of Cholesterol Testing

High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death worldwide. Alarmingly, a large portion of the U.S. population has high or borderline-high cholesterol levels, with 86.4 million adults aged 20 and older affected from 2017 to 2020. Additionally, about 1 in 5 adolescents had an unhealthy cholesterol measurement between 2009 and 2016. Given that high cholesterol often has no symptoms, many people are unaware of their elevated levels until they undergo a cholesterol test.

Who Needs Cholesterol Screening and When?

Cholesterol screening should start early in life, as even children and adolescents can develop high cholesterol. The recommended guidelines suggest that healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, while individuals with certain risk factors, such as heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol, may need more frequent screening. Children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked at least once between ages 9 and 11, and again between ages 17 and 21. Those with obesity or diabetes may require more frequent screening.

Understanding Cholesterol Test Results

A cholesterol test, also known as a “lipid profile,” measures several key components of your cholesterol levels, including:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol
Triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood
Total cholesterol, which is the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood

Your healthcare team will review these numbers, along with your overall health and risk factors, to determine the best course of action for managing your cholesterol levels and reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Preparing for a Cholesterol Test

Before your cholesterol test, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for 8 to 12 hours. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to prepare for the test. Fasting helps ensure accurate results by preventing any short-term fluctuations in your cholesterol levels that can occur after eating.

Interpreting Cholesterol Numbers

Your cholesterol numbers are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to your overall health. Your healthcare team will consider your age, sex, family history, lifestyle factors, and other health conditions to determine your risk and the appropriate steps for managing your cholesterol levels. Optimal blood cholesterol levels are generally considered to be:

LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher
Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL

If your numbers fall outside of these ranges, your healthcare team may recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or cholesterol-lowering medications to help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Assessing Cardiovascular Risk

In addition to reviewing your cholesterol levels, your healthcare team may order a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan to help assess your overall cardiovascular risk. This non-invasive imaging test can detect the presence and amount of calcium-containing plaque in your coronary arteries, providing valuable information about your risk of heart disease.

By considering your cholesterol numbers, family history, age, sex, and other risk factors, your healthcare team can develop a comprehensive plan to manage your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Proactive Cholesterol Management

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for your long-term cardiovascular health. If your cholesterol test results indicate high or borderline-high levels, work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized plan that may include lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as cholesterol-lowering medications if necessary. Regular cholesterol screening and proactive management can help you take control of your heart health and reduce your risk of serious health complications.

Get a Cholesterol Test | cdc.gov

From 2017 to 2020, 86.4 million U.S. adults age 20 or older had high or borderline high cholesterol (a total cholesterol level greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL).¹

From 2009 to 2016, about 1 in 5 adolescents had an unhealthy cholesterol measurement.²

Because high cholesterol doesn’t have symptoms, many people don’t know their levels are high.

The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get your cholesterol checked. Your health care team can do a simple blood test, called a “lipid profile,” to measure your cholesterol levels.

Who needs to get their cholesterol checked and when?

Many people have never had their cholesterol checked, so they don’t know whether they are at risk.

Talk with your health care team about your health history and how often you need to have your cholesterol checked. Cholesterol should be checked starting early in life—even children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked.

Most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years.
Some people, such as people who have heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol, need to get their cholesterol checked more often.
Children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked at least once between ages 9 and 11 and again between ages 17 and 21.²
Children who have obesity or diabetes may need to be screened for high cholesterol more often.

The 2018 ACC/AHA Guidelines recommend that cholesterol management be based on a person’s lifetime cardiovascular risk, whether a person is 45 to 75 years of age, has diabetes, and has other factors.²

Health care professionals calculate a person’s lifetime cardiovascular risk by considering

any other health conditions the person may have at the same time (comorbidities)
whether the person is being treated for high blood pressure
whether the person smokes
any other factors that may increase cardiovascular risk

Your cholesterol management and treatment decisions should be made in collaboration with a health care professional.

What happens during a cholesterol test?

The cholesterol test, or screening, requires a simple blood draw. The cholesterol test checks your levels of:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Having high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and result in heart disease or stroke.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because high levels can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood that your body uses for energy. The combination of high levels of triglycerides with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol levels can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Total cholesterol, the total amount of cholesterol in your blood based on your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides numbers.

Learn more about LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

What do I need to know before getting a cholesterol test?

You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for 8 to 12 hours before your cholesterol test. Be sure to ask your doctor how to prepare for the test.

How do blood cholesterol numbers affect me?

Your cholesterol numbers are important, but they are just part of your overall health. Learn more about what optimal blood cholesterol numbers are.

Your health care team will look at your cholesterol numbers, along with your family history, age, sex, and other parts of your lifestyle or health, such as smoking, that could increase your risk for high cholesterol.

Additionally, your health care team may order a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan to help understand your risk and determine the best way to manage your cholesterol levels.²

This complete picture helps your health care team determine whether you should take steps, such as lifestyle changes or cholesterol-lowering medicine, to lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

More Information

CDC

About Heart Disease
About Stroke
Aortic Aneurysm
About High Blood Pressure

Other organizations

MedlinePlus: Cholesterol
American Heart Association (AHA):
- Cholesterol
- What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): High Blood Cholesterol—What You Need to Know

References

Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Beaton AZ, Bittencourt MS, Boehme AK, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2023;147:e93–e621.
Perak AM, Ning H, Kit BK, et al. Trends in Levels of Lipids and Apolipoprotein B in US Youths Aged 6 to 19 Years, 1999-2016. JAMA. 2019;321(19):1895-1905.
Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, Beam C, Birtcher KK, Blumenthal RS, et al. 2018 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/AAPA/ ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2018;0:CIR.0000000000000625.

Cholesterol Levels: MedlinePlus Medical Test

What is a Cholesterol Test?

A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and certain fats in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in your blood and every cell of your body. You need some cholesterol to keep your cells and organs healthy.

Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you can also get cholesterol from the foods you eat, especially meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products. Foods that are high in dietary fat can also make your liver produce more cholesterol.

There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol.

Too much LDL cholesterol in your blood increases your risk for coronary artery disease and other heart diseases. High LDL levels can cause the buildup of a sticky substance called plaque in your arteries. Over time, plaque can narrow your arteries or fully block them. When this happens, parts of your body don’t get enough blood:

If the blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause a heart attack.
If the blood flow to the brain is blocked, it can cause a stroke.
If the blood flow to the arms or legs is blocked, it can cause peripheral artery disease.

Other names for a cholesterol test: Lipid profile, Lipid panel

What is it used for?

A cholesterol test gives you and your health care provider important information about your risk of developing heart disease. If your test shows you have high cholesterol, you can take steps to lower it. This may decrease your risk of developing heart problems in the future. A cholesterol test measures:

LDL levels. Also known as the “bad” cholesterol, LDL is the main source of blockages in the arteries.
HDL levels. Considered the “good” cholesterol, HDL helps get rid of “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Total cholesterol. The combined amount of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in your blood.
Triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Some studies show that high levels of triglycerides may increase the risk of heart disease, especially in women.
VLDL levels. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is another type of “bad” cholesterol. High VLDL levels have been linked to plaque buildup in the arteries. VLDL isn’t usually included in routine cholesterol tests because it’s difficult to measure. About half of VLDL is triglycerides, so your VLDL level can be estimated as a percentage of your triglyceride level.

Why do I need a cholesterol test?

Your provider may order a cholesterol test as part of a routine exam. You may also have a cholesterol test if you have a family history of heart disease or if your risk for heart problems is high because of:

High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Smoking
Excess weight or obesity
Lack of physical activity
A diet high in saturated fat

Your age may also be a factor, because your risk for heart disease increases as you get older.

What happens during a cholesterol test?

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

You may be able to use an at-home kit to check your cholesterol levels. Your kit will include a device to prick your finger to collect a drop of blood for testing. Be sure to follow the kit instructions carefully. Also, be sure to tell your provider if your at-home test shows that your total cholesterol level is higher than 200 mg/dl.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for 9 to 12 hours before your blood cholesterol test. That’s why the tests are often done in the morning. Your provider will let you know if you need to fast and if there are any other special instructions.

Are there any risks to the test?

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

What do the results mean?

Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. The information below will help you understand what your test results mean. In general, low LDL levels and high HDL cholesterol levels are good for heart health.

The LDL listed on your results may say “calculated.” This means that your LDL level is an estimate based on your total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. Your LDL level may also be measured “directly” from your blood sample. Either way, you want your LDL number to be low.

A healthy cholesterol level for you may depend on your age, family history, lifestyle, and other risk factors for heart disease, such as high triglyceride levels. Your provider can explain what’s right for you.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Is there anything else I need to know about my cholesterol levels?

High cholesterol can lead to heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. You can’t change some risk factors for high cholesterol, such as age and your genes. But there are actions you can take to lower your LDL levels and reduce your risk, including:

Eating a healthy diet. Reducing or avoiding foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol can help reduce the cholesterol levels in your blood.
Losing weight. Being overweight can increase your cholesterol and risk for heart disease.
Staying active. Regular exercise may help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It may also help you lose weight.

Talk to your provider before making any major change in your diet or exercise routine.

References

American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association Inc.; c2022. About Cholesterol; [last reviewed 2020 Nov 6; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/About-Cholesterol_UCM_001220_Article.jsp
American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association Inc.; c2022. HDL (Good), LDL (Bad) Cholesterol and Triglycerides; [last reviewed 2020 Nov 6; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp
American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association Inc.; c2022. How To Get Your Cholesterol Tested; [last reviewed: 2020 Nov 9; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/how-to-get-your-cholesterol-tested
American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association Inc.; c2022. Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol; [last reviewed 2020 Nov 11; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/PreventionTreatmentofHighCholesterol/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-High-Cholesterol_UCM_001215_Article.jsp
American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association Inc.; c2022. What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean; [last reviewed 2020 Nov 6; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/What-Your-Cholesterol-Levels-Mean_UCM_305562_Article.jsp
FDA: US Food and Drug Administration [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Cholesterol; [current as of 2018 Feb 4; cited 2019 Jan 25]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/cholesterol
Healthfinder.gov. [Internet]. Washington D.C.: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; National Health Information Center; Get Your Cholesterol Checked; [updated 2021 Oct 7; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/screening-tests/get-your-cholesterol-checked
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Cholesterol Test [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholesterol-test/about/pac-20384601
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. High Cholesterol [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022.VLDL cholesterol: Is it harmful? [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/vldl-cholesterol/faq-20058275
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need to Know; 2001 May [revised 2005 Jun; cited 2017 Jan 26]; [about 6 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/all-publications-and-resources/high-blood-cholesterol-what-you-need-know
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Cholesterol: Diagnosis [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 20 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-cholesterol
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Cholesterol: Overview [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-cholesterol
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Tests: What Are the Risks of Blood Tests? [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-tests
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Tests: What To Expect with Blood Tests; [cited 2017 Jan 25]; [about 1 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-tests
Quest Diagnostics [Internet].Quest Diagnostics; c2000-2022. Test Summary: LDL Cholesterol; [reviewed 2020 Dec; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-guides/TS_LDL_Cholesterol/ldl-cholesterol?p=td

Total cholesterol

Total cholesterol (cholesterol) is a fat-like substance that the body needs for the normal functioning of cells, digestion of food, and the creation of many hormones. Too much cholesterol (cholesterol) increases the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can block them and cause a heart attack or stroke.

Russian synonyms

Cholesterol, cholesterol

English synonyms

Blood cholesterol, Cholesterol, Chol, Cholesterol total.

Test method

Colorimetric photometric method.

Units

mmol/l (millimoles per litre).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous, capillary blood.

How to properly prepare for an examination?

Do not eat for 12 hours before the test.
Exclude physical and emotional overexertion 30 minutes before the study.
Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

General information about the study

Cholesterol (ChS, cholesterol) is a fat-like substance that is vital for the body. The correct scientific name for this substance is “cholesterol” (the ending “-ol” indicates belonging to alcohols), however, the name “cholesterol” has become widespread in the mass literature, which we will use later in this article. Cholesterol is involved in the formation of cell membranes of all organs and tissues of the body. Based on cholesterol, hormones are created that are involved in the growth, development of the body and the implementation of the reproduction function. Bile acids are formed from cholesterol, which are part of bile, thanks to which fats are absorbed in the intestines.

Cholesterol is insoluble in water, therefore, in order to move around the body, it is “packed” into a protein shell, consisting of special proteins – apolipoproteins. The resulting complex (cholesterol + apolipoprotein) is called lipoprotein. Several types of lipoproteins circulate in the blood, differing in the proportions of their components:

very low density lipoproteins (VLDL),
low density lipoproteins (LDL),
high density lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL-C and VLDL-C are considered “bad” types of cholesterol, as they contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries, while HDL-C, on the contrary, is called “good”, since excess amounts of cholesterol are removed by HDL.

The total cholesterol (cholesterol) test measures the total amount of cholesterol (both “bad” and “good”) circulating in the blood as lipoproteins.

The liver produces enough cholesterol for the needs of the body, but part of it comes from food, mainly meat and fatty dairy products. If a person has a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol or eats too much cholesterol-containing food, then the level of cholesterol in the blood can rise and cause harm to the body. Excess amounts of cholesterol are deposited in the walls of blood vessels in the form of plaques, which can restrict the movement of blood through the vessel, and also make the vessels more rigid (atherosclerosis), which significantly increases the risk of heart disease (ischemic disease, heart attack) and stroke.

What is research used for?

To assess the risk of atherosclerosis and heart problems.
For the prevention of many diseases.

When is the test ordered?

At least every 5 years for all adults over 20 years of age (usually part of the routine screening test).
Together with analyzes for LDL-C, VLDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides and with the atherogenic coefficient – this is the so-called lipid profile.
Several times a year if a diet with restricted animal fats and/or cholesterol-lowering medications is prescribed (to check if the person is reaching their target cholesterol level and therefore reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease).
If one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease are present in the patient’s lifetime:
- smoking,
- certain age period (men over 45, women over 55),
- high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg and above),
- elevated cholesterol or cardiovascular disease in other family members (heart attack or stroke in a male relative under 55 years of age or female under 65 years of age),
- ischemic heart disease,
- past myocardial infarction or stroke,
- diabetes mellitus,
- overweight,
- alcohol abuse,
- intake of large amounts of food containing animal fats,
- low physical activity.
At 2-10 years of age, a child in whose family someone had heart disease at a young age or high cholesterol.

What do the results mean?

Reference values (cholesterol norm):

The concept of “norm” is not fully applicable in relation to the level of total cholesterol. For different people with a different number of risk factors, the norm of cholesterol will be different. The test for total cholesterol (cholesterol) is used to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease, however, in order to determine this risk for an individual patient most accurately, it is necessary to evaluate all predisposing factors.

According to clinical guidelines, ¹ individual risk is calculated using the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) scale.

“Diagnostics and correction of lipid metabolism disorders for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Russian guidelines, VII revision. 2020″.

“2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk”.

Causes of increased total cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)

Hypercholesterolemia may be the result of a hereditary predisposition (familial hypercholesterolemia) or excessive dietary intake of animal fats. Most people with high cholesterol have some degree of both.

Cholesterol is only one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The overall assessment of this risk is carried out taking into account all parameters, including the presence of cardiovascular diseases in the patient or his relatives, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, etc. For patients who have these factors, the target levels of total cholesterol are less 4 mmol/l. To more accurately determine the risk of cardiovascular disease, a test for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) is prescribed.

Before prescribing treatment, it is necessary to exclude other causes of increased total cholesterol:

cholestasis – bile stasis, which can be caused by liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) or gallstones,
chronic inflammation of the kidneys leading to nephrotic syndrome,
chronic renal failure,
decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism),
poorly treated diabetes mellitus,
alcoholism,
obesity,
cancer of the prostate or pancreas.

Reasons for lowering the level of total cholesterol (hypocholesterolemia)

Heredity.
Severe liver disease.
Oncological diseases of the bone marrow.
Increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism).
Intestinal malabsorption.
Folic or B ₁₂ – deficiency anemia.
Generalized burns.
Tuberculosis.
Acute diseases, acute infections.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

What can influence the result?

Cholesterol concentration may change from time to time, this is normal. A single measurement does not always reflect the usual level, so it may sometimes be necessary to retake the analysis after 1-3 months.

Raise total cholesterol:

pregnancy (cholesterol test should be taken at least 6 weeks after delivery),
long fast,
blood donation in standing position,
anabolic steroids, androgens, corticosteroids,
smoking,
ingestion of food containing animal fats.

Reduces total cholesterol:

blood donation in the supine position,
allopurinol, clofibrate, colchicine, antifungals, statins, cholestyramine, erythromycin, estrogens,
intense physical activity,
diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Important notes

Cholesterol testing should be done when the person is relatively healthy. After an acute illness, heart attack, surgery, you should wait at least 6 weeks before measuring cholesterol.
In the USA, cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter, in Russia and Europe – in millimoles per liter. The conversion is carried out according to the formula: cholesterol (mg / dl) \u003d cholesterol (mmol / l) × 88.5 or cholesterol (mmol / l) \u003d cholesterol (mg / dl) x 0.0113.

Also recommended

Triglycerides
Cholesterol – high density lipoprotein (HDL)
Cholesterol – low density lipoprotein (LDL)
Atherogenic index
Apolipoprotein A1
Apolipoprotein B

Who orders the examination?

General practitioner, internist, cardiologist.

What is a cholesterol test

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By topmedclinic

What is a cholesterol test

A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and certain lipids in the blood. The body needs some cholesterol to keep cells and organs healthy.

The liver produces all the cholesterol needed by the body. But foods, especially meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products, also contain cholesterol. Foods high in fat can also cause the liver to produce more cholesterol.

There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol.

Having too much LDL cholesterol in your blood can put you at risk for heart disease and other serious health problems. High LDL levels can cause a sticky substance called plaque to build up in your arteries. Over time, plaque can narrow or completely block your arteries. When this happens, certain parts of your body don’t get enough blood flow.

If blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause a heart attack
If blood flow to the brain is blocked, it can cause a stroke
If blood flow to the arms or legs is blocked, this can cause peripheral arterial disease

Other names for cholesterol test: lipid profile, lipid panel

What is it used for?

A cholesterol test gives you and your healthcare provider important information about your risk of developing heart disease. If your test shows that you have high cholesterol, you can take steps to lower it. This may reduce the risk of heart disease in the future. Cholesterol test measures:

LDL levels: LDL, also known as “bad” cholesterol, is the main cause of clogged arteries.
HDL levels: Considered “good” cholesterol, HDL helps to eliminate “bad” or LDL cholesterol.
Total cholesterol: Total amount of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in the blood
Triglyceride levels: Triglycerides are a type of lipid found in your blood. Some research suggests that high triglyceride levels may increase the risk of heart disease, especially in women.
VLDL levels: Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) is another type of “bad” cholesterol. It has been found that there is an association between high VLDL levels and plaque formation in the arteries. In general, VLDL is not included in routine cholesterol tests because it is difficult to measure. About half of your VLDL is triglycerides, so your VLDL can be measured as a percentage of your triglycerides.

Why do I need a cholesterol test?

Your doctor may order a cholesterol test as part of a routine checkup. You may also have a cholesterol test if you have a family history of heart disease or if your risk of heart problems is high due to:

High blood pressure (high blood pressure)
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Smoke
Overweight or obese
Lack of physical activity
Saturated fat diet

Your age can also be a factor because your risk of heart disease increases with age.

What happens during a cholesterol test?

The doctor or health worker will take a sample of blood from a vein in one arm using a small needle. Once the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is taken and placed in a test tube or test tube. You may feel slight discomfort when inserting or removing the needle. In general, this process takes less than five minutes.

You may be able to use a home cholesterol test kit. Your kit will include a finger prick device to collect a drop of blood for the test. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the kit. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if your home test shows a total cholesterol level of more than 200 mg/dl.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You may have to fast (nothing to eat or drink) for 9-12 hours before cholesterol test. For this reason, tests are often done in the morning. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to fast or if you need to follow other special instructions.

Does this test carry any risks?

The risks of blood testing are minimal. You may feel some pain or bruising when the needle is inserted, but most symptoms disappear quickly.

What do the results mean?

Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dl) of blood. The following information will help you understand what your results mean. In general, low LDL and high HDL cholesterol are good for heart health.

Total cholesterol	Total cholesterol category
Less than 200 mg/dL	Desirable
200 to 239 mg/dL	Upper limit of normal range
240 mg/dl or more	High

LDL cholesterol level	LDL cholesterol category
Less than 100 mg/dL	Optimal (best for your health)
100 to 129 mg/dL	Almost optimal
130 to 159 mg/dL	Upper limit of normal range
Between 160 and 189 mg/dl	High
190 mg/dL or more	Very high

HDL cholesterol level	HDL cholesterol category
60 mg/dl or more	Considered protective against heart disease
40 to 59 mg/dL	The higher the better
Less than 40 mg/dL	One of the major risk factors for heart disease

LDL in your results might say “calculated”. This means your LDL is an estimate based on your total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides. Your LDL level can also be measured “directly” from your blood sample. In any case, it is desirable that your LDL is low.

Healthy cholesterol levels may depend on your age, family history, and other risk factors for heart disease, such as high triglycerides. Your healthcare provider can explain what is best for you.

Learn more about medical tests, reference ranges and how to understand results.

Is there anything else I should know about my cholesterol levels?

High cholesterol can cause heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. While some cholesterol risk factors cannot be controlled, such as age or genetic inheritance, there are things you can do to lower your LDL levels and risk, such as:

Eat a healthy diet. Reducing or avoiding foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol helps lower blood cholesterol levels.
Lose weight. Being overweight can increase cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease.
Stay active. Regular exercise helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. It also helps you lose weight.

Talk to your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

References

American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; c2022. About cholesterol; [last responded 6 November 2020; cited 20 December 2021]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/About-Cholesterol_UCM_001220_Article.jsp
American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; c2022. HDL (good), LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides; [last responded 6 November 2020; cited 20 December 2021]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article. jsp
American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; c2022. How to check your cholesterol level; [last modified: 2020 Nov 9; cited 20 December 2021]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/how-to-get-your-cholesterol-tested
American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; c2022. Prevention and treatment of high cholesterol; [last responded 11 November 2020; cited 20 December 2021]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/PreventionTreatmentofHighCholesterol/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-High-Cholesterol_UCM_001215_Article.jsp
American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; c2022. What does your cholesterol level mean; [last responded 6 November 2020; cited 20 December 2021]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/What-Your-Cholesterol-Levels-Mean_UCM_305562_Article. jsp
FDA: US Food and Drug Administration [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): US Department of Health and Human Services; Cholesterol; [as of February 4, 2018; cited 25 January 2019of the year]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/cholesterol
Healthfinder.gov. [Internet]. Washington, DC: Office for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; National Health Information Center; Check your cholesterol levels; [updated October 7, 2021; cited 20 December 2021]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/screening-tests/get-your-cholesterol-checked
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Cholesterol test [cited Dec 20, 2021]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholesterol-test/about/pac-20384601
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. High cholesterol [cited Dec 20, 2021]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. VLDL cholesterol: is it harmful? [cited 20 December 2021]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/vldl-cholesterol/faq-20058275

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