Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body needs to build cells, make hormones, and digest fat. However, too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol testing, also called a lipid profile or lipid panel, measures your cholesterol levels.

This information can help your healthcare provider determine your risk of heart disease and stroke, and recommend lifestyle changes or medications if necessary.

Who Should Get Cholesterol Testing?

The American Heart Association recommends getting a cholesterol test starting at age 20 and then every 4-6 years thereafter. However, the following groups may need more frequent testing:.

Individuals with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
Individuals with diabetes
Individuals with a history of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease
Individuals with high blood pressure
Individuals who smoke or have smoked in the past
Individuals who are overweight or obese

If you fall into one of these categories, talk to your healthcare provider about how often you should get cholesterol testing and what your target cholesterol levels should be.

What Do the Results Mean?

A cholesterol test measures several components of cholesterol:.

Total cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol
Triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood

Here’s what the results mean for each of these components:.

Total cholesterol

Desirable: less than 200 mg/dL.

Borders on high: 200-239 mg/dL.

High: 240 mg/dL and above.

LDL cholesterol

Optimal: less than 100 mg/dL.

Near optimal: 100-129 mg/dL.

Borders on high: 130-159 mg/dL.

High: 160-189 mg/dL.

Very high: 190 mg/dL and above.

HDL cholesterol

Low: less than 40 mg/dL (men) or less than 50 mg/dL (women).

Desirable: 40-59 mg/dL.

High: 60 mg/dL and above.

Triglycerides

Normal: less than 150 mg/dL.

Borders on high: 150-199 mg/dL.

High: 200-499 mg/dL.

Very high: 500 mg/dL and above.

If your cholesterol levels are higher than desirable, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, or medications such as statins.

If your triglycerides are very high, your healthcare provider may also recommend changes to your diet and lifestyle, as well as medications such as fibrates.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and have regular cholesterol testing to help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.