At NHS Health Check, your cholesterol was measured.
If the result was outside the healthy range, your GP or health professional may have discussed this with you.
Two types of cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol, called low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lioprotein (HDL). Your cholesterol result will tell you how much of each type you have in your blood.
- LDL is commonly known as 'bad' cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells of the body. If there's too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, this can cause blocking of the arteries over time.
- HDL is commonly known as 'good' cholesterol. It carries cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver, where it is broken down. HDL cholesterol can help to protect against developing blocked arteries.
Your cholesterol test result
Cholesterol level varies from person to person.
The cholesterol level in blood is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, often shortened to mmol/L.
The Department of Health advises that adults should have:
- Total cholesterol lower than 5mmol/L
- LDL cholesterol lower than 3mmol/L
High cholesterol is not a disease in itself, but it is important due to its link to blocked arteries.
When arteries become blocked this can lead to a number of serious health problems, such as heart disease and heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
Learn more in Health A-Z: high cholesterol.
Take action
If your cholesterol was found to be outside the healthy range, your healthcare professional may have talked to you about how to achieve a healthy cholesterol level.
Learn more in Lowering high cholesterol.
