Cholesterol What Levels Mean

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends the following cholesterol levels for adults aged 20 and older:

Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL (bad) cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL

HDL (good) cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher

Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL

Total cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL, HDL, and other types of cholesterol.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the arteries and cause them to narrow.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries.

Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease.

If your cholesterol levels are above the recommended levels, your doctor may recommend changes to your diet, exercise habits, and medications to help lower your cholesterol.