Have you had a blood test to check your cholesterol level? These check the different blood fat components: total cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is sometimes called “bad cholesterol” HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is sometimes called “good cholesterol” triglycerides. Your clinician then compares your test results to normal ranges – and may use ratios to compare different types of cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.