How do I know if I have high cholesterol?

Your doctor will do a blood test after you have not eaten or drunk anything for 12 hours. He will then find out the levels of several different types of fat in your blood;

High density lipids (HDL) known as ‘good cholesterol’. About 20% of cholesterol is transported as HDL, which is mostly protein and not much fat. This actually prevents cholesterol building up in the arteries.
Low density lipids (LDL) known as ‘bad cholesterol’. About 70% of cholesterol is transported as LDL.. this is mostly fat and not much protein. This causes the fatty deposits in the arteries and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides. Another type of fat in the blood which come mostly from fat in the food we eat. Calories that are eaten and not immediately used are converted into trigyclerides and transported to fat cells for storage.
The total cholesterol level. This test is called a Lipoprotein Profile. The density of the lipids is determined by how much protein there is in relation to fat.

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).

Good, bad and dangerous cholesterol levels

If your total blood cholesterol level is less than 200mg/dL your doctor will advise you that there is nothing to worry about, but to have the test repeated every five to seven years to check that all remains well.

If your total blood cholesterol level is between 200 – 239mg/dL your doctor will define your risk as borderline/high, and advise you on steps you can take to cut the risk of heart disease.

If your total blood cholesterol level is more than 240mg/dL this is considered a high risk and your doctor will advise you on action to lower the level and reduce your risk of heart disease.

HDL (good) cholesterol has a protective role in the body and so your doctor will be looking for a high level of HDL in your blood. A level of less than 40mg/dL is low and considered high risk for heart disease. Levels of 60mg/dL or more are protective against heart disease.

Trigyceride levels in your blood should also ideally be low as they can also raise the risk of heart problems. A level above 150mg/dL may need treatment; your doctor will advise.

Your doctor will look at the ratio between these different levels in your blood to determine your risk.