What are acceptable cholesterol numbers?

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines desirable, borderline high, and high cholesterol based on various readings:

Total Cholesterol:

- Desirable: Less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)

- Borderline high: 200 to 239 mg/dL

- High: 240 mg/dL or higher

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL, "bad") Cholesterol:

- Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL

- Near Optimal/Above Optimal: 100 to 129 mg/dL

- Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL

- High: 160 mg/dL or higher

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL, "good") Cholesterol:

- Low: Less than 40 mg/dL for men, less than 50 mg/dL for women

- Normal: 40 to 59 mg/dL for men, 50 to 79 mg/dL for women

- High: 60 mg/dL or higher

Triglycerides:

- Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL

- Borderline high: 150 to 199 mg/dL

- High: 200 mg/dL or higher

These guidelines may vary based on individual situations and risk factors and should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly if you have any risk factors or underlying health conditions. The guidelines may differ for certain groups, such as children, elderly individuals, or those with familial hypercholesterolemia. Your doctor can assess your individual risk and make personalized recommendations for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.