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High blood cholesterol is diagnosed by your doctor by conducting a lipid panel blood test. This brochure describes the blood test and other steps taken to diagnose high blood cholesterol, including a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and tests to rule out other conditions that can affect cholesterol levels.
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Over time, damage to the heart and blood vessels may lead to health problems like high blood pressure, high lipids, acute coronary syndrome and heart failure. If you have any questions about your condition, talk to your healthcare provider.Learn more
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This information is intended for US Consumers
How Is High Blood Cholesterol Diagnosed?
High blood cholesterol is diagnosed by your doctor by:
Lipid panel blood test
This test will measure total cholesterol, good high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol levels in your blood.
You may be diagnosed with high blood cholesterol if your total or non-HDL cholesterol level, which includes LDL cholesterol, is higher than what is considered to be healthy for your age, sex, and health status.
Healthy blood cholesterol levels differ by age and sex
Healthy blood cholesterol levels, by age and sex
Demographic | Total cholesterol | Non-HDL | LDL | HDL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Age 19 or younger | Less than 170 mg/dL | Less than 120 mg/dL | Less than 100 mg/dL | More than 45 mg/dL |
Men age 20 or older | 125 to 200 mg/dL | Less than 130 mg/dL | Less than 100 mg/dL | 40 mg/dL or higher |
Women age 20 or older | 125 to 200 mg/dL | Less than 130 mg/dL | Less than 100 mg/dL | 50 mg/dL or higher |
Medical history
Your doctor will ask about your eating and physical activity habits, family history, and other risk factors for high blood cholesterol, heart attack, or stroke. Your doctor may ask whether you have any other signs or symptoms. This information can help your doctor determine whether you have complications or other conditions that may be causing you to have high blood cholesterol.
Physical exam
During your physical exam, your doctor will check for signs of very high blood cholesterol, such as xanthomas (a skin condition in which certain fats build up under the surface of the skin), or signs of other diseases that can cause high blood cholesterol.
Other tests
Your doctor may order some of the following tests for other medical conditions that may be causing your high blood cholesterol:
Always talk to your doctor about what is best for you. Ask your doctor before starting any treatments or making changes in your routine or medicine.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
