Cholesterol level 7.26 - what does it mean?

[Twitterqueen]

Hi all
I've never had my cholesterol measured before - I had it done at work today and it was 7.26, which apparently is high.

I've searched and searched on the www but can't make sense of the 200 per whatsits per thingymajig.

I know what I need to do -porridge, exercise, lose weight, fish, blah blah.

But I don't know how bad it is!
Help / advice pretty please...

My blood pressure is very high.
My glucose levels are normal
I'm 3stone overweight.
I walk 1.5 hours every day but have a totally sedentary job.

As you had this tested at work I assume they advised you to make an appt with your GP, as this is a high reading. I understand level should be under 5 but preferably under 4.

You will probably be asked to do a fasting test, where they will measure both types of cholesterol HDL and LDL and also triglycerides.
Depending on results, as well as the sensible measures you outlined above, you may be prescribed statins to reduce level, particularly as your blood pressure is high.

Please make that appointment if you haven't already done so.
Good luck.

Cholesterol is only one of several risks. Up to a value of 7 you would need to factor in blood pressure, age, sex, smoking, diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid disease, family history of stroke or heart attack under 65) and then you come up with a risk value. If that value is

Oh, and as poppy says, you need a proper test at the GP.

My niece has high Cholesterol of 7 but as she is fit with low blood pressure and excellent oxygen levels and a low pulse rate she has never been given statins.

As you say you have high BP, statins will most likely be prescribed for you by GP.