Heart & cholesterol
A clearer look at cholesterol
4 min read
Read the panel, not just one number
A lipid panel usually includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. LDL carries cholesterol in the blood and can contribute to plaque in arteries. HDL has a different role, but a high HDL result is not a guarantee of protection.
Your target is personal
Treatment targets depend on your overall cardiovascular risk, including conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or previous heart disease. The range printed by a laboratory is not necessarily the treatment target your doctor recommends.
Do not start, stop or change cholesterol medicines based on an app flag.
Keep the units in view
Laboratories may report cholesterol in mmol/L or mg/dL. These numbers are not directly interchangeable. Lumen keeps the reported units and charts matching units together; it does not silently convert them.
Use trends as a conversation starter
Results can vary with illness, medicines and testing conditions. Bring your dated results to your GP so changes can be interpreted in context, rather than assuming every upward or downward movement is good or bad.
Markers this explains
Further reading
Educational editorial content, updated 25-Oct-2026. Not a clinician-reviewed assessment. External sources may describe guidance for a particular country. Discuss what applies to you with your clinician.
This article is for general information and education only. It is not medical advice and cannot account for your personal history. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your results.