NHS App test results explained
Cholesterol test results explained (lipid profile)
A cholesterol test, or lipid profile, measures the fats in your blood that affect heart and circulation health. In the UK it is often done by your GP from around age 40 as part of a routine heart health check, or at other times if you are at higher risk.
Also printed as: Cholesterol test, Serum lipids, Fasting lipid profile.
What is on the report
Typical adult ranges. Each lab sets its own, so the range printed next to your result is the one that counts.
| Test | What it is | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | All the cholesterol in your blood, good and bad together. | under 5.2 mmol/L (desirable) |
| HDL cholesterol | The 'good' cholesterol that carries extra cholesterol back to the liver. | over 1.3 mmol/L (women) over 1 mmol/L (men) |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | All the 'bad' cholesterol together: total cholesterol minus HDL. | under 3.4 mmol/L (desirable) |
| LDL cholesterol | The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. | under 2.6 mmol/L (desirable) |
| Triglycerides | The main type of fat carried in the blood. | under 1.7 mmol/L (fasting) |
| Cholesterol/HDL ratio | Total cholesterol divided by HDL; lower is better. | under 5 ratio (desirable) |
Good to know in United Kingdom
- UK results are in mmol/L.
- Non-HDL cholesterol is total cholesterol minus HDL. Since 2014 UK labs may report non-HDL instead of LDL, because cholesterol carried in other particles also matters. LDL, where shown, is usually calculated, not measured.
- You may be told just your total cholesterol. You can ask your doctor or nurse for your HDL and non-HDL results.
- Your GP may combine your cholesterol with your age, blood pressure and health conditions to give a QRISK score. It estimates your chance of a heart or circulation problem over the next 10 years.
- Fasting is no longer routinely needed for a cholesterol test, though your doctor may still ask for it in some cases.
Call 999 in an emergency. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111. For questions about your test results, contact your GP surgery.
Keep your reports in one place
Take a photo or screenshot of your results, or upload the PDF, and Vita explains each number in plain words, suggests what to ask your GP, and keeps it with your past results. Vita does not connect to the NHS App or to any UK health record system, and its hospital connections are for US hospitals, not UK ones.
Vita Health Coach on the App StoreAsk it in ChatGPT
Vita Health Coach also answers in ChatGPT. One tap opens ChatGPT with this question ready to send:
“What should I ask the doctor about my Lipid profile result?”
Questions
Why is there no LDL on my results?
Since 2014 UK labs may report non-HDL cholesterol instead of LDL. Non-HDL includes LDL and the cholesterol in other particles that can build up in artery walls.
Do I need to fast before a cholesterol test?
Usually not. Eating beforehand makes little difference to cholesterol levels. Follow your doctor's advice if they ask you to fast.
Can being ill change my cholesterol result?
Yes. Cholesterol can be lower than usual during or after an illness, and levels are higher in pregnancy, so the timing of the test matters.
What is a good level for me?
It depends on your age, any health conditions and your overall risk of heart and circulation problems. Ask your GP what level suits you.
More for United Kingdom
Sources
General information, not medical advice. VitaMedas is not connected with any government health service. Vita Health Coach explains; it never diagnoses. In an emergency, call 999. Read the medical disclaimer.