Healthy Cholesterol Levels: Optimal, Borderline, and High Ranges for Total, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides

Target Ranges (mg/dL)

Lipid	Optimal	Borderline High	High
Total Cholesterol	< 200	200–239	≥ 240
LDL-C (bad)	< 100	100–129	≥ 130
HDL-C (good)	Men ≥ 40; Women ≥ 50	—	< 40 (M), < 50 (F)
Triglycerides	< 150	150–199	≥ 200
Non-HDL-C	< 130	—	≥ 130

Nuances

• Targets lower for high-risk (diabetes, ASCVD, CKD): LDL <70, Non-HDL <100.
• Ratio (Total/HDL) <3.5 favorable.
• Individualized goals per ACC/AHA guidelines + clinician judgment.