-
The first number you receive, when given your cholesterol reading, is a total blood cholesterol level. A total blood cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or below is considered to be optimal. This result, combined with adequate levels of the other cholesterols, means you have a healthy cholesterol level and have a comparatively low risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
A total blood/serum cholesterol level of 200-239 mg/dL is a borderline high risk cholesterol level. Depending on your levels of bad and good cholesterol and triglycerides, your doctor may recommend a treatment and prevention program to help bring this cholesterol level back down to optimal levels.
A total blood/serum cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or over is considered to be high risk. Lifestyle changes and/or medication are necessary to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke, which is twice that of those with optimal levels of blood cholesterol. - Because HDL is considered to be "good" cholesterol, a higher level of HDL is better than a lower level. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or higher is considered to be the healthiest HDL level. For men, average HDL levels typically range between 40 and 50 mg/dL. For women, average HDL levels range between 40 and 50. HDL levels below 40 mg/dL in males and 50 mg/dL in females are considered to be high risk.
- LDL is bad cholesterol, so lower levels are considered to be healthy. The ideal LDL level is 100 mg/dL or below. An LDL level between 100 and 129 mg/dL is still considered to be average or relatively normal. An LDL level between 130 and 159 mg/dL is borderline high risk, an LDL level between 160 and 189 mg/dL is high risk, and an LDL level above 190 mg/dL is very high risk.
-
Triglyceride, although a fat and not a cholesterol, typically impacts cholesterol levels. Those with a high triglyceride level (200-499 mg/dL) or a very high triglyceride level (500 mg/dL or above) typically have a high level of bad cholesterol and a low level of good cholesterol.
Healthy triglyceride levels are considered to be 150 mg/dL or lower. Borderline levels are between 150 and 199 mg/dL. - Cholesterol levels which are too high can be lowered by diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and medication. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and not smoking, can help to lower and maintain low cholesterol levels. If necessary, a doctor may prescribe medication to help manage high cholesterol that is caused by hereditary factors and/or cholesterol levels that have become too high to be reduced by simple diet and lifestyle modifications.
