Health Information Blood Cholesterol

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Health Information Blood Cholesterol

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High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need to Know, Part 2

What do your cholesterol numbers mean?

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 from 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
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
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.

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.

Back: Why is cholesterol important? Next: What affects cholesterol levels?
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