Your cholesterol number

What should my cholesterol number be?

Cholesterol levels are usually measured as ‘bad’ cholesterol and total cholesterol. Cholesterol is measured in millimoles per litre of blood, which is usually shortened to mmol/L.

Leading UK heart doctors (the Joint British Societies), supported by Diabetes UK, recommend keeping your total cholesterol at the optimum level, below 4mmol/L. This is also supported by NICE, especially if you have diabetes and have other factors that increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Download the free ChoLESSterol booklet for further information.

How can you find out what your cholesterol number is?

Your doctor will be able to help you find out your cholesterol number by performing a simple blood test. It is particularly important to get your cholesterol tested if you have diabetes as you are at greater risk of heart disease or stroke (both called cardiovascular disease), and managing your cholesterol level could reduce this risk.

The only way to find out if you have a raised cholesterol number is to get a blood test as you cannot normally tell if you have a raised level.

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.