Could someone please explain my cholesterol results?

[Itsrainingten]

So I had my levels tested and they've come back red flagged as "high" but the doctor then told me on a quick phone follow up that actually it's all fine and not to worry. But I really don't understand why it's flagging then. Could someone explain please?
Total cholesterol - 6.1 (should be under 5 apparently which is why I'm not sure it's "ok")
HDL - 2.3
Non HDL 3.8
Ratio 2.7
Triglycerides 0.7 - Apparently this bit is good. Is that what makes it ok overall?
Sorry I'm a little bit of a worrier. My mum died of a heart attack 3 years older than I am now.
Thank you!!

Hopeful bump. Thank you 😊

Your ratio between the 'good' and ' bad' cholesterol is good. Should be below 4.5. Did the GP do a QRISK score? This predicts your likelihood of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. If it is above a certain percentage they may recommend a statin.

You can do your own qrisk3 - just Google. Your ratio is ok.

So the ratio is what matters more than the total then? That's interesting. Thank you

Thank you for taking the time to answer me. I have one more question if anyone happens to know the answer...
If it's the ratio that matters most why would it be red flagged on an NHS blood test?
My QRisk is low. They put it at 1. So as far as I understand that means only a 1% risk of a heart attack in the next few years.
I think I'd be totally fine with all of it if it didn't flag up. That's what has been worrying me...

The lab tends to flag the result without knowing the patient. So your total cholesterol has automatically triggered the protocol in the lab to have it marked as needing further attention. (The hospital lab does not have access to your GP records).

The GP computer system receives thus info form the lab, then combines the cholesterol figures with all the info about you as an individual, using something like qrisk3 (as mentioned by pps). This gives a tailored result specific to you so is far more accurate.

Next time you speak to your GP it might be worth mentioning your family history of heart disease, if you haven't told them already.

Thank you again everyone