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Explain Cholesterol Numbers

It is good for everyone to test their cholesterol levels to find out whether they are safe or at risk of developing heart disease. There is a simple blood test that helps determines cholesterol levels. This is known as the lipoprotein profile.

  1. How to Interpret the Results

    • Your doctor should be able to help explain the results in regards to your overall health history. The test provides three results regarding your cholesterol: total cholesterol, LDL levels, HDL levels and triglycerides.

    Total Cholesterol Levels

    • Total cholesterol levels lower than 200 mg/dL are good. People in this range have no cause to worry; they only have to maintain it. Levels between 200 and 239 mg/dL are on the border line. This level causes concern and may be a sign of problems, especially if you have other heart disease risks. When the total cholesterol level is 240 mg/ dL or above, you are at risk.

    LDL Levels

    • For LDL, levels below 100 mg/dL are good. Anything above that is risky. LDL is the type of cholesterol that affects development of heart disease and is considered "bad cholesterol."

    HDL Levels

    • Because HDL cholesterol is "good cholesterol," you want higher numbers in this area. Levels above 60 mg/dL are excellent. If your levels are below 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women), you may be at risk of heart disease, especially if your other levels are borderline or high.

    Triglycerides Level

    • Levels of this fat type correlate to heart disease risk, too. Results over 200 mg/dL are cause for concern. Levels below 150 mg/dL are good.

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