Your Ideal Cholesterol Level
Beginning at age 20, everyone should have their cholesterol checked at least once every five years. This involves a blood test, usually a "lipoprotein profile," which measures your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Here are the guidelines for cholesterol:
| Total Cholesterol Level |
What the numbers mean |
| Less than 200 mg/dL |
Desirable |
| 200-239 mg/dL |
Borderline high |
| 240 mg/dL and above |
High |
|
| LDL Cholesterol Level |
What the numbers mean |
| Less than 100 mg/dL |
Optimal |
| 100-129 mg/dL |
Near optimal/above optimal |
| 130-159 mg/dL |
Borderline high |
| 160-189 mg/dL |
High |
| 190 mg/dL and above |
Very high |
|
| HDL Cholesterol Level |
What the numbers mean |
| Less than 40 mg/dL |
A major risk factor for heart disease |
| 40 - 59 mg/dL |
The higher, the better |
| 60 mg/dL and above |
Considered protective against heart disease |
|
Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health.
* Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.
Triglycerides can also raise your risk for heart disease. Levels that are borderline high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL or more) may need treatment.
