What Do Your Cholesterol Numbers Mean?
Everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a "lipoprotein profile" to find out your cholesterol numbers. This blood test is done after a 9- to 12-hour fast and gives information about your:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL (bad) cholesterol--the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries
- HDL (good) cholesterol--helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries
- Triglycerides--another form of fat in your blood
If it is not possible to get a lipoprotein profile done, knowing your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can give you a general idea about your cholesterol levels. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL* or more or if your HDL is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to have a lipoprotein profile done. See how your cholesterol numbers compare to the tables below.
Total Cholesterol Level | Category |
---|---|
Less than 200 mg/dL | Desirable |
200-239 mg/dL | Borderline High |
240 mg/dL and above | High |
* Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.
LDL Cholesterol Level | LDL-Cholesterol Category |
---|---|
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 (good) cholesterol protects against heart disease, so for HDL, higher numbers are better. A level less than 40 mg/dL 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 can also raise heart disease risk. Levels that are borderline high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL or more) may need treatment in some people.
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