Understanding Cholesterol Test Results

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in your blood. Your body needs it to build cells and make hormones, but too much "bad" cholesterol accumulates on blood vessel walls, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.

Understanding Your Lipid Panel

Total Cholesterol (TC)

• Ideal: < 5.2 mmol/L
• Elevated: 5.2-6.2 is borderline; > 6.2 is high cholesterol
• It's the "sum" of other cholesterol types but shouldn't be viewed alone

LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

• Ideal: < 3.4 mmol/L (without other risk factors)
• High-risk target: < 2.6 or even < 1.8 mmol/L
• Called "bad cholesterol" — it transports fat to vessel walls forming plaque
• This is the most important marker on your lipid report

HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein)

• Ideal: > 1.0 mmol/L (men), > 1.3 mmol/L (women)
• Called "good cholesterol" — it carries fat away from vessel walls
• Higher HDL = stronger cardiovascular protection

Triglycerides (TG)

• Ideal: < 1.7 mmol/L
• Elevated causes: High-sugar diet, alcohol, obesity, lack of exercise
• Most closely related to diet; can fluctuate significantly with dietary changes

Interpretation Requires the Full Picture

Cholesterol interpretation needs comprehensive consideration:

• TC/HDL ratio (ideal < 4)
• Absolute LDL value
• Other risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history)
• Age and sex

The same LDL number means different things for someone with cardiovascular family history versus someone without.

How to Improve Lipids

Dietary Changes

• Reduce: Saturated fat (animal fats, processed meat, full-fat dairy)
• Reduce: Trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils, processed snacks)
• Increase: Soluble fiber (oats, beans, fruits)
• Increase: Unsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, fish)

Exercise

• At least 150 minutes moderate aerobic exercise per week
• Raises HDL, lowers triglycerides

Weight Management

• Losing 5-10% body weight can significantly improve lipids

Other

• Quitting smoking raises HDL
• Limiting alcohol lowers triglycerides
• Your doctor may prescribe statins if needed

When Is Medication Needed?

This isn't your decision alone. Your doctor will consider:

• Your LDL level
• Overall cardiovascular risk score
• Effectiveness of lifestyle changes
• Family history and other conditions

to determine if statins or other lipid-lowering drugs are needed.

Track Lipid Changes with Vinora

• Upload annual lipid panel results to auto-generate trends
• See long-term LDL, HDL, and TG changes
• Track whether diet/exercise adjustments show results
• AI reminds you if more frequent testing is needed