About Cholesterol Levels

If you have your cholesterol level checked by a doctor* you will usually get 4 different numbers:

• Total cholesterol level
• LDL (bad) cholesterol.  LDL cholesterol is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries.
• HDL (good) cholesterol.  HDL cholesterol helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries.
• Triglycerides.  These are another form of fat in your blood

See the tables below to see how each of your cholesterol levels compare.

* Please note:  if you just get your cholesterol levels checked in a drugstore or pharmacy you will usually just receive two numbers:  your total cholesterol level and your HDL cholesterol level.  If your total cholesterol is 200 or more OR your HDL level is less than 40 you need to see your doctor for a full cholesterol level screening. 

Total Cholesterol Level:

LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol):

Factors that can affect your LDL level are:

• Cigarette smoking
• High Blood Pressure (140/90 or higher or on blood pressure medication)
• Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40)
• Family history of early heart disease (heart disease in father or brother before age 55; heart disease in mother or sister before age 65)
• Age (men 45 years or older; women 55 years or older)

HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol):

HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease, so for HDL, higher numbers are better.

A cholesterol level less than 40 is low and is considered a major risk factor because it increases your risk for developing heart disease.  HDL levels of 60 mg/dL or more help to lower your risk for heart disease.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides can also raise heart disease risk. Levels that are borderline high (150-199) or high (200 or above) may require treatment.

Click here for information about Treating High Cholesterol.