Medically Reviewed By
MBBS (Col), MD (Col) · SLMC No. 27329
Consultant Physician · Sineth Hospitals, Boralasgamuwa
Understand your cholesterol and triglyceride results
A lipid profile is a blood test that measures cholesterol and triglycerides — the fats circulating in your blood. It is one of the most widely used tests to assess cardiovascular health.
This tool also calculates non-HDL cholesterol, which is another useful cholesterol-related value derived from total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol.
This tool provides educational information only. It does not diagnose heart disease and does not replace medical advice.
Enter the values exactly as shown in your report. Select the correct unit (mg/dL or mmol/L) — using the wrong unit will produce incorrect results. LDL cholesterol is optional; leave it blank if it is not in your report.
Total cholesterol is the sum of all cholesterol types in your blood. It includes LDL, HDL and other lipid particles. It is a broad screening value. A desirable total cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL.
| Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Less than 200 | Desirable |
| 200 – 239 | Borderline High |
| 240 or above | High |
LDL cholesterol is often called "bad cholesterol" because higher levels can increase the risk of artery disease, heart attack and stroke. Lower LDL is generally better.
| LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Less than 100 | Optimal |
| 100 – 129 | Near Optimal |
| 130 – 159 | Borderline High |
| 160 – 189 | High |
| 190 or above | Very High |
HDL cholesterol is often called "good cholesterol". HDL helps carry cholesterol away from arteries. Higher HDL is generally favourable. Low HDL can be associated with higher cardiovascular risk.
| HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Less than 40 (men) / Less than 50 (women) | Low |
| 40–59 (men) / 50–59 (women) | Acceptable |
| 60 or above | Favourable |
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. High triglycerides can be associated with diabetes, obesity, fatty liver and pancreatitis risk. Diet, alcohol intake and diabetes control all affect triglyceride levels.
| Triglycerides (mg/dL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Less than 150 | Normal |
| 150 – 199 | Mildly High |
| 200 – 499 | High |
| 500 – 999 | Very High |
| 1000 or above | Extremely High |
Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol. It reflects all cholesterol carried by particles that may contribute to artery disease. Non-HDL cholesterol is considered a useful complementary measure alongside LDL.
| Non-HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Less than 130 | Desirable |
| 130 – 159 | Borderline High |
| 160 – 189 | High |
| 190 – 219 | Very High |
| 220 or above | Extremely High |
You should discuss your lipid profile with a doctor if you have high LDL, high triglycerides, low HDL, or a combination of abnormal values. A complete risk assessment also depends on your age, blood pressure, diabetes status, smoking history, kidney function and family history. Cholesterol treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with your doctor.
Common questions about lipid profiles, cholesterol and triglycerides — answered by Sineth Hospitals.