What is a cholesterol and lipid blood test?

Lipids and cholesterol are fat-like substances in your body. A cholesterol (or lipid profile) test looks at the levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood.

A lipid profile blood test measures:

• the total amount of cholesterol in your blood (total cholesterol)
• the level of HDL-cholesterol (high-density cholesterol, often called ‘good cholesterol’)
• the level of LDL-cholesterol (low-density cholesterol, often called ‘bad’ cholesterol)
• triglycerides (TG, another type of fat in the body)

LDL cholesterol is referred to as bad cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your blood vessels. This increases your risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.

HDL cholesterol is good cholesterol because it removes excess cholesterol from your body.

High triglyceride levels can also increase your risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease.

Why would I need this test?

You might need this test if your doctor wants to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease.

This blood test is usually recommended every 5 years, starting from 45 years. Testing should start at 35 years for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

Testing every 12 months is recommended for people with:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• heart disease
• stroke
• kidney disease

Your doctor may also suggest more regular testing if you are being treated for high cholesterol.

How to prepare for a cholesterol and lipid blood test

You will usually need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before having this blood test.

This means not eating any food and drinking only water. Most people have the test in the morning, so it doesn't interfere with their meals.

Understanding your results

You should discuss the results of your lipid profile test with your doctor. There are specific guidelines for target cholesterol levels in different people — talk to your doctor about this.

Your doctor may use your test results as part of a risk assessment for cardiovascular disease.

Cholesterol and lipid levels are just one thing that’s taken into account when working out your risk of cardiovascular disease. Your doctor will also look at other things, such as your age and blood pressure, to calculate your risk.

Your doctor will likely talk with you about how to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. If necessary they will talk to you about how to lower your cholesterol levels.

Resources and support

See Pathology Tests Explained for more information about testing cholesterol and lipids.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See our ‘Guide to blood testing’ to learn more about blood tests in general, with information on:

• what happens during a blood test
• the accuracy of your results
• the cost of your blood test