Understanding Cholesterol Levels: Normal Ranges & What They Mean

Your body needs cholesterol to function properly. However, too much cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and cause atherosclerosis, the build-up of plague on artery walls. Staying in the normal cholesterol range can keep you healthy.

The Test

• A laboratory can do a lippoprotein test using a sample of your blood to determine the amount of cholesterol in your body. The results will include four numbers: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

Total Cholesterol

• Normal total cholesterol levels should be under 200 mg/dL. A level of up to 239 mg/dL puts you at risk of developing high cholesterol.

LDL Levels

• Low-density lippoproteins (LDL) should be under 129 mg/dL. Some physicians may want you to have levels below 100 mg/dL if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, such as being overweight or having high blood pressure.

HDL Levels

• High-density lippoproteins (HDL) should be as high as possible. Levels above 60 mg/dL are considered good protection from cardiovascular disease. Anything under 40 mg/dL means you need to increase your numbers.

Triglycerides

• These are not technically a type of cholesterol, but a form of fat also linked to increased heart disease risks. Normal levels should be under 150 mg/dL. Any level above 200 mg/dL is cause for concern.