You’ve just received your blood test results and spotted a cholesterol reading of 5.7. Maybe your GP mentioned it in passing, or perhaps you’re reading the printout at home trying to make sense of the numbers. Either way, you’re probably wondering: is 5.7 cholesterol high, and should I be worried?
Yes, a total cholesterol level of 5.7 mmol/L is considered borderline high for most Australian adults. However, the full picture is more complex than a single number. In this article, we explain what your cholesterol reading means, which levels are considered normal or concerning, and what steps you can take to support your heart health. A personalised cholesterol management plan considers your individual risk factors and health status.
Understanding Cholesterol: A Quick Primer
Cholesterol is a fatty substance, technically classified as a lipid, that your body needs to build cells, produce hormones, and support digestion. It travels through your bloodstream attached to proteins, forming particles called lipoproteins. The two you’ve probably heard of are low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as “good” cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol can deposit itself on the walls of your arteries, contributing to a build-up called plaque. Over time, this narrowing of the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis, increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. HDL, on the other hand, acts like a cholesterol to go down, helping to carry excess cholesterol back to the liver where it can be processed and removed.
When your doctor measures your cholesterol, they look at your total cholesterol level (measured in millimoles per litre, or mmol/L in Australia), as well as your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, another type of lipid that contributes to your overall cardiovascular risk profile.
What Is a Normal Cholesterol Level in Australia?
In Australia, cholesterol is measured in mmol/L (millimoles per litre), which is the standard unit of measurement used across the country. This differs from the United States, where mg/dL (milligrams per decilitre) is used, so be careful when comparing results if you’ve lived or been tested abroad.
According to the Heart Foundation of Australia and general clinical guidelines, the following ranges apply for most adults: Weight management is one effective approach to improving your cholesterol profile. weight management strategies
- Desirable total cholesterol: Below 5.5 mmol/L
- Borderline high: 5.5, 6.4 mmol/L
- High: 6.5, 7.8 mmol/L
- Very high: Above 7.8 mmol/L
For LDL specifically, a level below 2.0 mmol/L is recommended for those at high cardiovascular risk, while below 3.5 mmol/L is considered acceptable for lower-risk individuals. HDL should ideally be above 1.0 mmol/L for men and above 1.3 mmol/L for women; the higher your HDL, the better.
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So Is 5.7 Cholesterol Good or Bad?
A total cholesterol level of 5.7 mmol/L sits in the borderline high range. It’s not at a point of immediate crisis, but it is a signal worth taking seriously. Think of it as a yellow light rather than a red one, your body is telling you to pay attention before things progress.
Whether 5.7 is genuinely concerning for you personally depends on several individual factors.
