Your cholesterol number

Why do I need to know my cholesterol number?

Your cholesterol number indicates the total level of cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol levels are usually measured as TOTAL CHOLESTEROL LEVELS (total amount of ‘GOOD’ and ‘BAD’ cholesterol).

Raised cholesterol is not an illness in itself, but it is associated with a number of diseases. People with existing heart disease are at particular risk from a raised level of total cholesterol or a raised level of ‘BAD’ LDL–cholesterol.

That's why it is important to KNOW YOUR NUMBER as this will allow you to manage your cholesterol levels.

What should my cholesterol number be?

Leading UK heart doctors - supported by patient charities such as Heart UK and Diabetes UK - recommend an optimal target for total cholesterol of below 4.0 mmol/l.

(mmol/l is the unit used to measure cholesterol).

Current recommendations from the Joint British Societies (JBS 2) are:

• TOTAL CHOLESTEROL: below 4.0 mmol/l
• 'BAD' LDL-CHOLESTEROL: below 2.0 mmol/l

Latest guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) supports these numbers for people with heart disease.

Download the free ChoLESSterol booklet for further information.

How can you find out what your cholesterol number is?

Measuring cholesterol levels involves a simple blood test and you should talk to your GP or nurse about 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.