Question 1

What's a good cholesterol level?

Accepted Answer

Total cholesterol below 5.2 mmol/L (200 mg/dL), LDL below 3.4 mmol/L (130 mg/dL), HDL above 1.0 mmol/L (40 mg/dL), and triglycerides below 1.7 mmol/L (150 mg/dL). Context still matters, and your clinician reads these alongside your other risk factors.

Question 2

Can I improve my cholesterol without medication?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes, especially with diet changes like less fried food and more fibre, regular exercise, weight loss, and quitting smoking. Medication is added when lifestyle changes aren't enough.

Question 3

I'm young and fit. Do I need this?

Accepted Answer

High cholesterol has no symptoms and can run in families. Young, fit people get heart attacks too. Knowing your baseline early is one of the smartest things you can do.

Lipid / Cholesterol Panel: Your full cholesterol and heart risk profile