Cholesterol test
About this test
A complete cholesterol test — also called a lipid panel or lipid profile — is a blood test that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. A cholesterol test can help determine your risk of the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis).
Why it's done
High cholesterol usually causes no signs or symptoms. A complete cholesterol test is done to determine whether your cholesterol is high and to estimate your risk of heart attacks and other forms of heart disease and diseases of the blood vessels. A complete cholesterol test includes the calculation of four types of fats in your blood: Total cholesterol. This is a sum of your blood's cholesterol content. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is called the "bad" cholesterol. Too much of it in your blood causes the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow. These plaques sometimes rupture and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This is called the "good" cholesterol because it helps carry away LDL cholesterol, thus keeping arteries open and your blood flowing more freely. Triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. When you eat, your body converts calories it doesn't need into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. High triglyceride levels are associated with several factors, including being overweight, eating too many sweets or drinking too much alcohol, smoking, being sedentary, or having diabetes with elevated blood sugar levels.
Risks and complications
There's little risk in getting a cholesterol test. You might have soreness or tenderness around the site where your blood is drawn. Rarely, the site can become infected.
How to prepare
You're generally required to fast, consuming no food or liquids other than water, for nine to 12 hours before the test. Some cholesterol tests don't require fasting, so follow your doctor's instructions.
Understanding your results
In the United States, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. In Canada and many European countries, cholesterol levels are measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). To interpret your test results, use these general guidelines. Total cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) Total cholesterol* (Canada and most of Europe) Below 200 mg/dL Below 5.18 mmol/L Desirable 200-239 mg/dL 5.18-6.18 mmol/L Borderline high 240 mg/dL and above Above 6.18 mmol/L High LDL cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) LDL cholesterol* (Canada and most of Europe) Below 70 mg/dL Below 1.8 mmol/L Desirable for people who have coronary artery disease or other forms of atherosclerosis. Optimal for people at high risk or very high risk of coronary artery disease or other forms of atherosclerosis. Below 100 mg/dL Below 2.6 mmol/L Optimal for healthy people without coronary artery disease. 100-129 mg/dL 2.6-3.3 mmol/L Near optimal for people who do not have coronary artery disease. High if there is coronary artery disease or other forms of atherosclerosis. 130-159 mg/dL 3.4-4.1 mmol/L Borderline high for people who do not have coronary artery disease. High if there is coronary artery disease or other forms of atherosclerosis. 160-189 mg/dL 4.1-4.9 mmol/L High for people who do not have coronary artery disease. Very high if there is coronary artery disease or other forms of atherosclerosis. 190 mg/dL and above Above 4.9 mmol/L Very high. Treatment decisions to reach optimal LDL levels should be individualized. Work with your healthcare professional on what LDL level is best for you. HDL cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) HDL cholesterol* (Canada and most of Europe) Below 40 mg/dL , men Below 50 mg/dL , women Below 1 mmol/L , men Below 1.3 mmol/L , women Poor 40-59 mg/dL , men 50-59 mg/dL , women 1-1.5 mmol/L , men 1.3-1.5 mmol/L , women Better 60 mg/dL and above Above 1.5 mmol/L Best Triglycerides (U.S. and some other countries) Triglycerides* (Canada and most of Europe) Below 150 mg/dL Below 1.7 mmol/L Desirable 150-199 mg/dL 1.7-2.2 mmol/L Borderline high 200-499 mg/dL 2.3-5.6 mmol/L High 500 mg/dL and above Above 5.6 mmol/L Very high *Canadian and European guidelines differ slightly from U.S. guidelines. These conversions are based on U.S. guidelines. If your results show that your cholesterol level is high, don't get discouraged. You might be able to lower your cholesterol with lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising and eating a healthy diet. If lifestyle changes aren't enough, cholesterol-lowering medications also might help. Talk to your doctor about the best way for you to lower your cholesterol.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.