Your cholesterol number

What should my cholesterol number be?

If you have cardiovascular disease (which includes unstable angina and/or heart attack), NICE recommends:

• TOTAL CHOLESTEROL: below 4.0 mmol/L or
• 'BAD' LDL CHOLESTEROL: below 2.0 mmol/L

Your doctor may tell you that there is not a target cholesterol number for you. This might be because you have been prescribed intensive treatment, and the lower your cholesterol number is, the better. Remember that it’s important to continue taking the cholesterol-lowering medication that your doctor has prescribed.

How can you find out what your cholesterol number is?

There are many different measures that are used when testing cholesterol. Usually you will be measured for 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as total cholesterol.

Your doctor will be able to help you find out your cholesterol number by performing a simple blood test. You do not normally need to fast (not eat) before a test, but your doctor will be able to advise you on this.

I have had my cholesterol level tested before - should I have another test?

Cholesterol levels can change over time. You should usually have your cholesterol level checked every 12 to 15 months, or more frequently if your doctor or nurse advise this, or if your medicine has changed.