What Is Normal Cholestrol?

Normal cholesterol levels are important for maintaining heart health, which prevents the buildup of cholesterol in the arterial walls. If too much cholesterol attaches to these walls, it can cause many heart and blood-related problems.

Significance

• Having normal cholesterol levels reduces a person's risk for developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk for developing heart disease and diabetes.

Normal Levels

• According to the American Health Association, a normal blood cholesterol level is less than 200 mg/dL. Men should also maintain a HDL (good) cholesterol level above 40 mg/dL (50 mg/dL for women). A (LDL) bad cholesterol level under 100 mg/dL and a triglyceride level under 150 mg/dL are normal for men and women.

Identification

• Normal cholesterol levels are determined by administering a fasting lipoprotein profile, which determines the person's blood cholesterol levels, good cholesterol levels, bad cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels.

Temporary Factors

• According to the University of Illinois, menstrual periods, birth control pills, diuretics, being pregnant and estrogen replacement therapy temporarily affect cholesterol levels.

Other Factors

• Other factors that can make it difficult to achieve normal cholesterol include smoking, being overweight, not exercising, and eating a diet rich in saturated and trans fats.