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Normal Ranges of Blood Test Results for Cholesterol

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.

  1. 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.

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