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Table of Contents
Understanding Cholesterol Levels
High blood pressure signals a higher risk of heart attack. It is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly and discuss them with your doctor. Your doctor can explain to you your total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and your triglyceride readings.
Total Blood Cholesterol Levels:
(mg/dl means milligrams per deciliter of blood)
Less than 200 mg/dl = Desirable
200 to 239 mg/dl = Borderline High Risk
240 mg/dl and over = High Risk
HDL Cholesterol
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. HDL is considered "good" cholesterol because it seems to protect you from heart attack. The higher your HDL, the better.
You can raise your HDL by losing excess weight and being more active. Making healthy lifestyle changes to raise your HDL will reduce your risk of heart attack.
HDL-Cholesterol Levels:
(milligrams per deciliter of blood = mg/dl)
Less than 35 mg/dl = High Risk
More than 60 mg/dl = Desirable
LDL Cholesterol
LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. This is the main carrier of harmful cholesterol in your blood. A high level of LDL means a higher risk of heart disease.
LDL-Cholesterol Levels:
(milligrams per deciliter of blood = mg/dl)
Less than 100 mg/dl = Those diagnosed with coronary heart disease or diabetes
Less than 130 mg/dl = Desirable
130 to 159 mg/dl = Borderline High Risk
160 mg/dl or higher = High Risk
Triglyceride levels
Most body fat comes in the form of triglycerides. Butter, margarine, and vegetable oil are also triglycerides. Being overweight and having diabetes or other disorders can result in high triglyceride levels. It’s not clear yet whether triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease or not.
Less than 150 mg/dl = Normal
150 to 199 mg/dl = Borderline High
200 to 499 mg/dl = High
Greater than 500 = Very High
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