Cholesterol in men: when is it too high?

Cholesterol in men isn't about one number, but about the balance between your LDL, your HDL and your triglycerides. A high LDL goes with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among men in the Netherlands. A blood test shows where you stand, not whether you'll get ill.

Honestly: cholesterol feels boring until it suddenly isn't. Precisely because you don't notice it, it's worth knowing in time.

What counts as high cholesterol?

Whether a value is "too high" depends on your whole risk profile: your LDL, your blood pressure, smoking, your age and your family history. One raised value says little on its own. Your GP weighs the whole, so your result is a starting point for that conversation.

LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol, HDL "good". That's simplified, but useful as a memory aid.

Which blood values relate to your cholesterol?

A lipid profile usually looks at total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Sometimes ApoB is added, which counts the number of risk particles. Research suggests ApoB reflects risk more accurately than LDL alone (Sniderman, 2019).

There's more on this in ApoB: the cholesterol value your doctor may not test as standard.

Why are men at extra risk?

Men get cardiovascular disease at a younger age on average than women. Belly fat, an unstable blood sugar and a low testosterone can move together with an unfavourable cholesterol. See belly fat and your hormones and which blood values point to risk.

What do you do with an unfavourable result?

Discuss an unfavourable profile with your GP, who can assess your risk as a whole and help decide what fits. Lifestyle often has an influence, but what works for you is tailored.

Getting started

The Lipids panel maps your cholesterol. For a broader view of your cardiovascular risk, the Cardiovascular Health panel looks at more markers.

References

1. Sniderman AD, Thanassoulis G, Glavinovic T, et al. Apolipoprotein B particles and cardiovascular disease: a narrative review. JAMA Cardiol. 2019;4(12):1287-1295. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2019.3780.
2. NHG-Standaard Cardiovascular risk management (biology of lipids). Dutch College of General Practitioners.
3. Dutch Heart Foundation (Hartstichting). Cholesterol and cardiovascular disease: background.

Disclaimer

Caliberhealth works with BIG-registered doctors who assess your blood results. This article gives general information and is not a substitute for medical advice from a GP or specialist. A blood test is a tool, not a diagnosis in itself. For serious symptoms, contact your GP, or in an emergency call 112.