High Cholesterol: What Your Test Results Mean and What to Do Next

A high cholesterol result can feel alarming, especially because the condition usually causes no symptoms. The good news is that cholesterol is one of the most treatable risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

This guide explains what each number on a lipid panel means, how the commonly used ranges look, and what to do after a high result. For a wider look at lab reports, see our patient's guide to understanding bloodwork results.

• Total cholesterol: the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
• LDL cholesterol: often called "bad" cholesterol because high levels can build up in artery walls.
• HDL cholesterol: often called "good" cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away from the blood.
• Triglycerides: a type of fat in the blood that rises with excess calories, sugar, alcohol and some medical conditions.

Ranges below are commonly used reference values in mg/dL. Your clinician interprets them alongside your age, blood pressure, diabetes status, smoking history and family history, so your own target may differ.

Cholesterol is only one piece of your heart risk. Clinicians often combine your lipid numbers with other factors to estimate your overall risk over the coming years. Two people with the same LDL can need very different plans. A single result can also be affected by a recent illness, certain medications, or whether you fasted.

1. Do not panic, and do not stop or start any medicine on your own.
2. Ask whether the test should be repeated, and whether fasting is needed.
3. Share your family history, medications, supplements and any conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease or kidney disease.
4. Ask what your personal LDL target is and how your overall heart risk was estimated.
5. Agree on a plan that may include lifestyle changes, medication, or both, and book a follow-up test.

• Choose more vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains and unsalted nuts
• Swap saturated fat from fatty meats and full-fat dairy for unsaturated fats such as olive oil
• Limit sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates and alcohol, which can raise triglycerides
• Move regularly, building up to the activity level your clinician recommends
• Stop smoking, and work toward a healthier weight if advised

Our lifestyle counseling service supports practical changes in nutrition, sleep, stress and activity. See MyHealthfinder's guidance on heart health for more ideas.

Some people, especially those with very high LDL, diabetes, existing heart disease or a strong family history, benefit from medication in addition to lifestyle changes. Whether you need it is a shared decision. Ask about the expected benefit, side effects, how often to recheck your levels, and what to do if you miss a dose. Ongoing management is part of chronic disease management, and our post on medication adherence offers tips for sticking with a plan.

High cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, but it can contribute to heart attack and stroke. Call 911 for chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, or sudden weakness, face drooping or speech trouble. Review the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke symptoms.

A high cholesterol result is a prompt to act, not a verdict. With a clear understanding of your numbers and a plan you can follow, you can lower your risk over time.

To review your results with a clinician, schedule an appointment. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.