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What Is a Cholesterol Reading?

Cholesterol is a wax-like material that makes up the outer layer of every cell in the body. It also exists outside of the cell walls throughout the blood. Our bodies make cholesterol and we also get it from the foods we eat. Since too much cholesterol can lead to disease, a cholesterol reading is used to measure the amount of this substance in the blood, in its various forms.

  1. Identification

    • A cholesterol reading measures the levels of different types of cholesterol in the blood. The results are expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood.

    Types

    • A basic cholesterol test measures only total cholesterol. A full lipid profile also tells what portion of that total is low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or bad cholesterol), what portion is high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or good cholesterol) and measures triglyceride levels, which are fats suspended in the blood.

    Testing Method

    • Both types of cholesterol readings can be done through a small finger stick with only a few drops of blood or with a full blood draw from a vein.

    Time Frame

    • Cholesterol reading results done with a finger stick are ready in a matter of minutes. Readings done via a full blood draw must be sent to a lab for analysis, which can take several days.

    Consideration

    • In order to ensure the highest accuracy of a cholesterol reading, blood should be drawn after a 12-hour fast from all solids and liquids.

    Significance

    • Cholesterol readings are important because the total cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels are indicators of your risk of developing heart disease. High total cholesterol and LDL levels are associated with increased risk, while high HDL levels decrease heart disease risk.

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