Cholesterol & lipids, explained
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides — and the newer ApoB and Lp(a). We explain which number actually matters for your heart.
Three things we do that a printed range doesn’t
Ranges change with both. We use the set for you — 26 range sets in total.
LDL is read with ApoB and triglycerides; the number of particles matters more than one total.
ESC-SCORE, ESC / EAS, EAS (European Atherosclerosis Society). Organisation, document, year.
Total cholesterol — the ranges we use
On its own a rough indicator; ApoB/LDL/non-HDL and the ratio to HDL matter more.
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Good | below 5 mmol/L | Total cholesterol at optimum — the ratio to HDL matters more. |
| Worth improving | 5 – 6.2 mmol/L | Slightly elevated — review LDL/ApoB and HDL. |
| Talk to a doctor | 6.2 mmol/L and above | Elevated — assess cardiac risk (ApoB). |
Articles in this guide
- Cholesterol, LDL and ApoB: what really counts and how to lower itMarker explained
- How to lower cholesterol and ApoB naturally: an action planHow to improve
- Triglycerides and HDL: what they mean and how to improve themMarker explained
- Blood biomarkers of metabolic health: what to measure and whyMetabolic health
- Blood test reference values — table by test for adultsReading your report
- Preventive blood testing for longevity: what to test and how oftenSupplements & longevity
- Which blood tests make sense at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60By life stage
- AI blood test analyzer: what it can and cannot do (and how to use ChatGPT safely)Reading your report
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
Good to know
Is LDL 3.4 bad?
Upload your report and you’ll see the answer for your exact value, age and sex — with the source of the range. In general: one value outside the printed range is rarely an emergency; the pattern and the trend matter more.
Do I need a new test?
No. Upload the one you already have. If a re-test is useful, the plan tells you when.
Is this a diagnosis?
No. It is an explanation to help you and your doctor. When a value needs a doctor, we say so.