Understanding your cholesterol results Te mārama ki ō hua whakamātaunga ngakototo
Cholesterol is a type of fat (also called a lipid) that your body makes. Your body needs some cholesterol to function normally. A cholesterol test (lipid screen) measures the levels of different types of fats in your blood.
Terms used in your cholesterol test results
Total cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood.
LDL is often called 'bad cholesterol'. It takes cholesterol from your liver to different parts of your body. When there is too much of it, cholesterol can build up on the inside of your blood vessels. This makes your blood vessels narrow.
HDL is often called 'good cholesterol'. It removes cholesterol from your blood and tissues and takes it to your liver. Your liver then breaks it down and removes it from your body. If you have more of this type of cholesterol, you may have a lower risk of heart disease or stroke.
Triglycerides are a type of fat used to store energy in your body, mainly in your fat cells. High triglyceride levels can increase your risk of health problems such as heart attack and stroke. Very high levels can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
This ratio is a calculation used to assess your risk of stroke and heart attack. The lower the number (ratio), the lower your risk.
Normal cholesterol levels
The normal levels of cholesterol are not the same for everyone. The levels you should aim for depend on how high your risk is of getting heart disease or having a stroke. You can find out how high your risk is by having a heart risk assessment.
Heart risk assessment (internal link)
You will need to aim for lower levels of cholesterol if you have:
- heart disease
- diabetes
- peripheral vascular disease
- had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
High cholesterol levels
Talk to your healthcare provider for advice about the cholesterol level you should aim for and when you should have a repeat test.
If your triglyceride level is high you will usually need to have a repeat fasting blood test to get a more accurate level.
You can reduce your cholesterol and triglyceride levels by:
- eating well
- being physically active
- losing weight (especially from around your middle)
- avoiding or cutting down on alcohol
- stopping smoking.
Activity and diet (internal link)
If you are at high risk, your healthcare provider may recommend you also take medication to lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Risks of having high cholesterol levels
High levels of cholesterol can clog up your blood vessels, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.