Cholesterol

To measure your cholesterol level, your GP or nurse will take a small blood sample. This is then used to measure the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Before this test you will need to go without food for 8-12 hours or overnight in order that an accurate reading can be taken. The result of this test will be given to you as a number, which is known as your total cholesterol number.

You should have a cholesterol test if any of the following cardiovascular risk factors apply to you:

• You have a history of premature coronary heart disease in your family (i.e. if someone in your immediate family has developed coronary heart disease before the age of 55 if they are a man or 65 if they are a woman)
  
  
• You have a family history of familial hyperlipidaemia (i.e. a family history of high fat levels in the blood)
  
  
• You have diabetes
  
  
• You are taking medications for high blood pressure
  
  
• You have already had a heart attack
  
  
• You have had a stroke
  
  
• You smoke
  
  
• You are severely overweight

Knowing your numbers
The amount of cholesterol in your blood is measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/l).

Government advice recommends a target cholesterol level of less than 5mmol/l.

Your doctor may also consider the ratio between 'good' HDL cholesterol and 'bad' LDL cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is likely to be a problem when you have elevated levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol, i.e. when you exceed the LDL target level of under 3 mmol/l.

Once your cholesterol levels have been measured, your doctor will assess this together with any other cardiovascular risk factors you may experience. Your doctor will use this information to help determine how you can best manage your cholesterol and your health as a whole.