Lipid Profile & Heart Disease Risk: Understanding Your Cholesterol Report

By Dashvanth Healthcare Medical Team · Reviewed by our specialists · East Delhi

Why Cholesterol Testing Matters

Dyslipidaemia (abnormal blood fats) is a major modifiable risk factor for heart attack and stroke — India's leading cause of death. A lipid profile tells you far more than just total cholesterol. Understanding each component is essential for accurate cardiovascular risk assessment.

Fasting vs Non-Fasting?

Traditional advice required 9–12 hours fasting. Current evidence shows non-fasting lipids are equally valid for risk assessment. However, fasting samples are preferred if triglycerides are the focus (they are significantly affected by recent meals).

Components Explained

Total Cholesterol

• Desirable: <200 mg/dL; Borderline: 200–239; High: ≥240
• Poor standalone measure — must interpret with other components

LDL Cholesterol ("Bad" Cholesterol)

• Most important for cardiovascular risk
• Target: <100 mg/dL (general population); <70 mg/dL (known heart disease or diabetes); <55 mg/dL (very high risk — recent heart attack)

HDL Cholesterol ("Good" Cholesterol)

• Higher is better — HDL removes cholesterol from arteries
• Low HDL (<40 men; <50 women): independent risk factor for heart disease
• Exercise, weight loss, and quitting smoking raise HDL

Triglycerides

• Normal: <150 mg/dL; Borderline high: 150–199; High: 200–499; Very high: ≥500 (pancreatitis risk)
• High triglycerides: excess refined carbohydrates, alcohol, diabetes, hypothyroidism

Non-HDL Cholesterol (Total - HDL)

• Better predictor of CV risk than LDL alone
• Target: <130 mg/dL (general population)