Cholesterol test: The cholesterol test results

The cholesterol test results give the total amount of cholesterol – LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides – present in the blood. The test results are compared with the standard levels for a particular age or gender. Why are my cholesterol numbers important? Your cholesterol levels are important because they help you know your risk for heart disease. Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) that helps your body perform many important functions. But too much cholesterol in your blood is harmful. It can enter your artery wall, damage its integrity and lead to atherosclerotic plaque (hardened deposits) forming. A cholesterol blood test measures the amount of cholesterol in the body. There are two types of cholesterol ; the 'good' cholesterol or HDL, and the 'bad' cholesterol or LDL. High cholesterol levels in the blood can lead to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Learn more about cholesterol tests and how to interpret them. A complete cholesterol test checks your blood to see if your cholesterol and triglycerides are at a healthy level.