Lipid disorders are diagnosed with blood tests that measure the level of cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood.

Blood Tests

Cholesterol levels are checked with a blood test. A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may need to fast for several hours, usually overnight, before your blood is taken. The test measures levels of:

  • Total cholesterol
  • Unhealthy LDL cholesterol
  • Healthy HDL cholesterol
  • Triglycerides

The readings are interpreted as follows:

Total Cholesterol
Level Interpretation
<200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) Desirable
200-239 mg/dL (5.2-6.1 mmol/L) Borderline high
240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L) and above High
LDL Cholesterol
Level Interpretation
Less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) Optimal
100-129 mg/dL (2.6-3.3 mmol/L) Near optimal/above optimal
130-159 mg/dL (3.4-4.0 mmol/L) Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL (4.1-4.8 mmol/L) High
>190 mg/dL (4.9 mmol/L) and above Very high
HDL Cholesterol
Level Interpretation
60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) and above Protective against heart disease
Less than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) A major heart disease risk factor
Triglycerides
Level Interpretation
Less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) Normal
150-199 mg/dL (1.7-2.2 mmol/L) Borderline high
200-499 mg/dL (2.3-5.6 mmol/L) High
500 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L) and above Very high

mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter of blood; (mmol/L= millimoles per liter of blood)