BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCholesterol testing and resultsCholesterol test results; LDL test results; VLDL test results; HDL test results; Coronary risk profile results; Hyperlipidemia-results; Lipid disorder test results; Heart disease - cholesterol resultsCholesterol is a soft, wax-like substance found in all parts of the body. Your body needs cholesterol to work properly. But too much cholesterol can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease.CholesterolCholesterol is a fat (also called a lipid) that your body needs to work properly. Too much bad cholesterol in your blood can increase your chance of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart diseaseCoronary heart disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is also called co...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Cholesterol blood tests are done to help you and your health care provider better understand your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other problems caused by narrowed or blocked arteries.The ideal values for all cholesterol results depend on whether you already have heart disease, diabetes, or other risk factors. Your provider can tell you what your goal should be. Cholesterol TestsSome types of cholesterol are considered good and some are considered bad. Different blood tests can be done to measure each type of cholesterol.Your provider may order only a total cholesterol level as the first test. It measures all types of cholesterol in your blood.You may also have a lipid (or coronary risk) profile, which includes:Total cholesterol Total cholesterolTotal cholesterol is a blood test to measure all types of cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like substance found in all parts o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) Low density lipoproteinThe low-density lipoprotein (LDL) test is a blood test to measure the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood. LDL is a type of fat (lipid) in your ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol) High density lipoproteinThe high-density lipoprotein (HDL) test is a blood test to measure the amount of HDL cholesterol in your blood. HDL is a type of fat (lipid) in your...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Triglycerides (another type of fat in your blood) TriglyceridesThe triglyceride level is a blood test to measure the amount of triglycerides in your blood. Triglycerides are a type of fat. Your body makes some t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL cholesterol) Lipoproteins are made of fat and protein. They carry cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats, called lipids, in the blood to various parts of the body.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersWhen Should You Be Tested?Everyone should have their first screening test by age 35 for men, and age 45 for women. Some guidelines recommend starting at age 20 or even earlier depending on a person's overall health.You should have a cholesterol test done at an earlier age if you have:Diabetes Heart disease Stroke High blood pressure A strong family history of heart disease Follow-up testing should be done:Every 5 years if your results were normal. More often for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or blood flow problems to the legs or feet. As your provider recommends if you are taking medicines to lower your cholesterol. Total CholesterolA total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL (5.18 mmol/L) is considered best (lower numbers are better).You may not need more detailed cholesterol tests if your cholesterol is in this normal range.LDL (Bad) CholesterolLDL cholesterol is sometimes called "bad" cholesterol. LDL can clog your arteries.You want your LDL to be low. Having too much LDL is linked to heart disease and stroke.Your LDL is always considered to be too high if it is 190 mg/dL (4.92 mmol/L) or higher.Levels from 70 to 189 mg/dL (1.81 to 4.90 mmol/L) are most often considered too high if:You have diabetes and are between ages 40 to 75 You have diabetes and a high risk of heart disease You have a medium or high risk of heart disease You have heart disease, history of a stroke, or poor circulation to your legs In these circumstances, your provider will often recommend medicine to lower your LDL cholesterol level.Providers have traditionally set a target level for your LDL cholesterol if you are being treated with medicines to lower your cholesterol.Treated with medicines to lower your ch...Your body needs cholesterol to work properly. But extra cholesterol in your blood causes deposits to build up on the inside walls of your blood vess...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some newer guidelines now suggest that providers no longer need to target a specific number for your LDL cholesterol. Higher strength medicines are used for the highest risk patients. However, some guidelines still recommend using specific targets. HDL (Good) CholesterolYou want your HDL cholesterol to be high. Studies of both men and women have shown that the higher your HDL, the lower your risk of coronary artery disease. This is why HDL is sometimes referred to as "good" cholesterol.HDL cholesterol levels greater than 60 mg/dL (1.55 mmol/L) are desired, though even higher is better.VLDL (Bad) CholesterolVLDL contains the highest amount of triglycerides. VLDL is considered a type of bad cholesterol because it helps cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries.Normal VLDL levels are less than 30 mg/dL (0.78 mmol/L).ConsiderationsSometimes, your cholesterol levels may be low enough that your provider will not ask you to change your diet or take any medicines.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersOpen ReferencesReferencesAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 10. Cardiovascular disease and risk management: standards of care in diabetes-2025. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(Supplement_1):S207-S238. PMID: 39651970 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39651970/.Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, et al. 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019;140(11):e563-e595. PMID: 30879339 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30879339/.Gennest J, Mora S, Libby P. Lipoprotein disorders and cardiovascular disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 27.Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/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/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019;73(24):3168-3209. PMID: 30423391 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30423391/.Robinson JG. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 190.US Preventive Services Task Force; Mangione CM, Barry MJ, et al. Statin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2022;328(8):746-753. PMID: 35997723 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35997723/.US Preventive Services Task Force; Barry MJ, Nicholson WK, et al. Screening for lipid disorders in children and adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2023;330(3):253-260. PMID: 37462699 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37462699/.AllVideoImagesTogCholesterol - illustration Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that is present in all parts of the body including the nervous system, skin, muscle, liver, intestines, and heart. It is made by the body and obtained from animal products in the diet. Cholesterol is manufactured in the liver and is needed for normal body functions including the production of hormones, bile acid, and Vitamin D. Excessive cholesterol in the blood contributes to atherosclerosis and subsequent heart disease. The risk of developing heart disease or atherosclerosis increases as the level of blood cholesterol increases.CholesterolillustrationCholesterol - illustration Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that is present in all parts of the body including the nervous system, skin, muscle, liver, intestines, and heart. It is made by the body and obtained from animal products in the diet. Cholesterol is manufactured in the liver and is needed for normal body functions including the production of hormones, bile acid, and Vitamin D. Excessive cholesterol in the blood contributes to atherosclerosis and subsequent heart disease. The risk of developing heart disease or atherosclerosis increases as the level of blood cholesterol increases.CholesterolillustrationA Closer Look Cholesterol - InDepth(In-Depth)Self Care Cholesterol testing and results Tests for Cholesterol testing and results Lipid profile testRelated Information Review Date: 1/1/2025 Reviewed By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Cholesterol testing and resultsCholesterol test results; LDL test results; VLDL test results; HDL test results; Coronary risk profile results; Hyperlipidemia-results; Lipid disorder test results; Heart disease - cholesterol resultsCholesterol is a soft, wax-like substance found in all parts of the body. Your body needs cholesterol to work properly. But too much cholesterol can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease.CholesterolCholesterol is a fat (also called a lipid) that your body needs to work properly. Too much bad cholesterol in your blood can increase your chance of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart diseaseCoronary heart disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is also called co...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Cholesterol blood tests are done to help you and your health care provider better understand your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other problems caused by narrowed or blocked arteries.The ideal values for all cholesterol results depend on whether you already have heart disease, diabetes, or other risk factors. Your provider can tell you what your goal should be. Cholesterol TestsSome types of cholesterol are considered good and some are considered bad. Different blood tests can be done to measure each type of cholesterol.Your provider may order only a total cholesterol level as the first test. It measures all types of cholesterol in your blood.You may also have a lipid (or coronary risk) profile, which includes:Total cholesterol Total cholesterolTotal cholesterol is a blood test to measure all types of cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like substance found in all parts o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) Low density lipoproteinThe low-density lipoprotein (LDL) test is a blood test to measure the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood. LDL is a type of fat (lipid) in your ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol) High density lipoproteinThe high-density lipoprotein (HDL) test is a blood test to measure the amount of HDL cholesterol in your blood. HDL is a type of fat (lipid) in your...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Triglycerides (another type of fat in your blood) TriglyceridesThe triglyceride level is a blood test to measure the amount of triglycerides in your blood. Triglycerides are a type of fat. Your body makes some t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL cholesterol) Lipoproteins are made of fat and protein. They carry cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats, called lipids, in the blood to various parts of the body.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersWhen Should You Be Tested?Everyone should have their first screening test by age 35 for men, and age 45 for women. Some guidelines recommend starting at age 20 or even earlier depending on a person's overall health.You should have a cholesterol test done at an earlier age if you have:Diabetes Heart disease Stroke High blood pressure A strong family history of heart disease Follow-up testing should be done:Every 5 years if your results were normal. More often for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or blood flow problems to the legs or feet. As your provider recommends if you are taking medicines to lower your cholesterol. Total CholesterolA total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL (5.18 mmol/L) is considered best (lower numbers are better).You may not need more detailed cholesterol tests if your cholesterol is in this normal range.LDL (Bad) CholesterolLDL cholesterol is sometimes called "bad" cholesterol. LDL can clog your arteries.You want your LDL to be low. Having too much LDL is linked to heart disease and stroke.Your LDL is always considered to be too high if it is 190 mg/dL (4.92 mmol/L) or higher.Levels from 70 to 189 mg/dL (1.81 to 4.90 mmol/L) are most often considered too high if:You have diabetes and are between ages 40 to 75 You have diabetes and a high risk of heart disease You have a medium or high risk of heart disease You have heart disease, history of a stroke, or poor circulation to your legs In these circumstances, your provider will often recommend medicine to lower your LDL cholesterol level.Providers have traditionally set a target level for your LDL cholesterol if you are being treated with medicines to lower your cholesterol.Treated with medicines to lower your ch...Your body needs cholesterol to work properly. But extra cholesterol in your blood causes deposits to build up on the inside walls of your blood vess...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some newer guidelines now suggest that providers no longer need to target a specific number for your LDL cholesterol. Higher strength medicines are used for the highest risk patients. However, some guidelines still recommend using specific targets. HDL (Good) CholesterolYou want your HDL cholesterol to be high. Studies of both men and women have shown that the higher your HDL, the lower your risk of coronary artery disease. This is why HDL is sometimes referred to as "good" cholesterol.HDL cholesterol levels greater than 60 mg/dL (1.55 mmol/L) are desired, though even higher is better.VLDL (Bad) CholesterolVLDL contains the highest amount of triglycerides. VLDL is considered a type of bad cholesterol because it helps cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries.Normal VLDL levels are less than 30 mg/dL (0.78 mmol/L).ConsiderationsSometimes, your cholesterol levels may be low enough that your provider will not ask you to change your diet or take any medicines.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersOpen ReferencesReferencesAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 10. Cardiovascular disease and risk management: standards of care in diabetes-2025. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(Supplement_1):S207-S238. PMID: 39651970 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39651970/.Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, et al. 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019;140(11):e563-e595. PMID: 30879339 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30879339/.Gennest J, Mora S, Libby P. Lipoprotein disorders and cardiovascular disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 27.Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/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/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019;73(24):3168-3209. PMID: 30423391 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30423391/.Robinson JG. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 190.US Preventive Services Task Force; Mangione CM, Barry MJ, et al. Statin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2022;328(8):746-753. PMID: 35997723 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35997723/.US Preventive Services Task Force; Barry MJ, Nicholson WK, et al. Screening for lipid disorders in children and adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2023;330(3):253-260. PMID: 37462699 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37462699/.
