Chances are, if you have ever gone for your yearly check-up, that you have had the fright of your life when your doctor tells you that you have high cholesterol. We know that cholesterol levels can be confusing, and seeing all those different numbers on your blood test might feel overwhelming. That’s why our team has put together this quick summary table to help make sense of it all.
Our goal is to help you understand what each type of cholesterol means and how it affects your health, without the stress.
Understanding your blood results:
Chances are, if you have ever gone for your yearly check-up, that you have had the fright of your life when your doctor tells you that you have high cholesterol. We know that cholesterol levels can be confusing, and seeing all those different numbers on your blood test might feel overwhelming. That’s why our team has put together this quick summary table to help make sense of it all.
Our goal is to help you understand what each type of cholesterol means and how it affects your health, without the stress.
| NAME | “NORMAL LEVELS” | EXPLAINED |
| Total Cholesterol | 2.8-4.9mmol/L (usually want <5) | This refers to the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL and HDL. While we generally have an aim, the balance of LDL and HDL is what matters most. |
| LDL- low-density lipoprotein | 1.5-2.9mmol/L (usually want <3) | -Often considered the “bad cholesterol” however it is more complex as LDL cholesterol comes in different forms, and not all are equal.
💡Think of LDL like a delivery truck. It carries cholesterol to your cells. If there’s too much, the “parcels” can start piling up in your arteries, leading to blockages and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. |
| HDL- high-density lipoprotein | 1.2-1.9mmol/L (usually want >1 for men and >1.2 for women) | -Often considered the “good cholesterol”. 💡Think of HDL like a rubbish truck. It carries excess cholesterol back to the liver to be removed. If we didn’t have rubbish trucks our “gargage” would build up, just like our cholesterol does with low HDL. |
| Triglycerides | 0.4-1.6mmol/L (usually want <1.7) | -Type of fat found in your blood. After you eat, your body converts excess calories into triglycerides and stores them for energy. -While some triglycerides are normal, too much can be harmful. |
| ApolA and apol little (a) | Individual lab | Apol (A)
-Makes up around 70% of the protein in high density lipoprotein (HDL). -Higher ApoA levels are protective because they indicate that HDL is doing its job of cleaning up excess cholesterol and preventing artery blockages. Apol (little a) -Important for those with family history of heart disease. Linked to genetics. – In this case, the higher the Apol (little a) is linked to higher risk for heart disease. Opposite to Apol (big A). |
| ApoB- apolipoprotein B | Individual lab | -A type of protein in LDL and very sticky
-The more ApoB particles you have, the higher the risk of cholesterol building up in your arteries, which can lead to heart disease. -ApoB is considered a stronger predictor of heart attack than LDL-C. |
| Homocysteine | <10 µmol/L (usually want 5-10 µmol/L) | -A high level of homocysteine is linked to heart disease.
-It is also a good indicator of low vitamin B6, B12 and folate. |
NOTE: It’s important to note that everyone’s health goals and needs are unique, so ‘normal’ reference ranges can vary between individuals. Laboratory values may differ based on factors such as age, sex, genetics, and overall health, so it’s always best to interpret results in consultation with a healthcare professional.
