Healthy cholesterol levels for most adults
Marker	Target (mmol/L)
Total cholesterol	5 or below
LDL cholesterol	3 or below
Non-HDL cholesterol	4 or below
HDL cholesterol	1.0 or above (men), 1.2 or above (women)
Triglycerides	Below 1.7 fasting, below 2.3 non-fasting

Why LDL and HDL matter

LDL cholesterol can build up in artery walls, narrowing them over time. HDL helps clear cholesterol away, so higher is better. Triglycerides rise with excess calories, sugar and alcohol.

ApoB and lipoprotein(a)

ApoB counts the particles that carry cholesterol into your arteries, and lipoprotein(a) is a largely inherited risk factor that one in five people has raised. The Cardiovascular Profile measures both alongside your standard cholesterol.

Lowering your cholesterol

Eating less saturated fat and more fibre, being active, not smoking and drinking less alcohol all help. Statins are offered when your overall risk is high. Your GP can work out your 10-year risk using your results, age and blood pressure.

How often to test

About every five years if your results are healthy and your risk is low, and more often if you have risk factors or are on treatment.

Please note: this guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your GP. If you feel very unwell, call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

Tests mentioned in this guide

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