Chelsea Green Pharmacy
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood that plays an important role in maintaining overall health. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells, produce hormones and support essential functions, but having too much of it can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and other health conditions. Many people only discover they have raised cholesterol levels following a routine blood test, and one of the most common questions we hear at Chelsea Green Pharmacy is: Is a cholesterol level of 5.7 high? Understanding your blood test results is the first step towards protecting your long-term heart health, and our team is here to provide guidance and support through our private blood testing in Chelsea.
Understanding Cholesterol Readings
When you receive a cholesterol blood test, you will often see several different figures on your results. These represent the different types of cholesterol and related fats in your blood, and each plays a different role in your overall heart health.
Total cholesterol
This measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein)
Often referred to as “bad cholesterol”, LDL can build up in your blood vessels, leading to narrowing and blockages that increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein)
Known as “good cholesterol”, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream and carries it back to the liver, where it is processed and removed. Higher levels of HDL are generally beneficial for heart health.
Triglycerides
These are another type of fat found in the blood. Elevated triglycerides combined with high LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.
A full blood test will usually provide readings for all these markers, allowing your healthcare provider to assess your overall risk and provide personalised recommendations. At Chelsea Green Pharmacy, we offer comprehensive blood testing in Chelsea to give you a clear picture of your health and support you with tailored advice based on your results.
Is a Cholesterol Level of 5.7 High?
In the UK, total cholesterol levels are typically measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). For most adults, the following ranges are commonly used as a guide:
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Ideal cholesterol: Below 5.0 mmol/L
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Borderline high: Between 5.0 and 6.0 mmol/L
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High cholesterol: Above 6.0 mmol/L
With a total cholesterol reading of 5.7 mmol/L, you fall into the borderline high range. This does not necessarily mean you have an immediate health problem, but it may indicate that lifestyle adjustments are needed to lower your risk of future heart-related issues.
Because total cholesterol alone does not give the full picture, it is important to look at the breakdown between HDL, LDL and triglycerides. For example, someone with a total cholesterol level of 5.7 but high levels of protective HDL cholesterol and low LDL cholesterol may have a lower cardiovascular risk than someone with the same total cholesterol but higher LDL levels.
At Chelsea Green Pharmacy, we help you interpret your blood test results in detail and explain what they mean for your overall health. Our pharmacists provide practical advice on managing cholesterol through diet, lifestyle changes and, where necessary, referral to your GP for further assessment or treatment.
When to Seek Advice
A cholesterol level of 5.7 mmol/L is not usually a cause for immediate concern, but it is a sign to pay closer attention to your heart health. You should consider seeking advice if:
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You have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of heart disease
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Your LDL cholesterol levels are above the recommended range
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You have had previous cardiovascular problems
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You are unsure how to make lifestyle changes to lower your cholesterol
Even if you feel healthy, raised cholesterol can silently increase your risk of developing serious health problems over time. Making changes early can have a significant impact on your long-term wellbeing. This could include adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, reducing alcohol intake, stopping smoking and managing stress levels.
Our team at Chelsea Green Pharmacy can work with you to create a practical plan to support your goals and improve your results over time. Regular testing is also important to monitor progress and make adjustments where needed.
Book a Cholesterol Check at Chelsea Green Pharmacy
If you have recently had a blood test showing a cholesterol level of 5.7 or you are unsure about your current levels, our private blood testing in Chelsea offers a simple, accurate and confidential way to understand your results. We provide detailed explanations, personalised advice and ongoing support to help you take control of your heart health.
Booking a consultation at Chelsea Green Pharmacy gives you access to professional guidance from experienced pharmacists who can help you interpret your readings and make informed decisions about your next steps.
Whether you need reassurance, lifestyle advice or a referral for further care, we are here to support you.
Take the first step towards better heart health today. Contact Chelsea Green Pharmacy to arrange your cholesterol check and get expert advice tailored to your needs.
