What Do Your Cholesterol Numbers Mean?
Everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every five 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 | High |
| LDL Cholesterol Level | LDL 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 |
*Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. Your health care provider can determine the target level for your personal health concerns and health profile.
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.
