What Is the Optimal Range of Cholesterol Levels?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is manufactured in the body by the liver and also derived from ingested food. Excess cholesterol in the blood can cause blockages and clogs in the arteries and veins in and around the heart. These blockages and clogs may trigger a heart attack. Cholesterol levels are monitored regularly to assess future heart disease risk. An individual should know his cholesterol levels and make an effort to maintain healthy levels throughout his lifetime. Individuals who may be at greater risk of heart disease due to other health conditions and family history should be especially concerned with their cholesterol levels.

How are Cholesterol Levels Measured?

• Cholesterol levels are measured by determining how many milligrams of cholesterol exist in each deciliter of blood.

Total Cholesterol

• An individual's total cholesterol needs to be less than 200 mg/dl. Cholesterol levels between 200 and 239 mg/dl are considered to be borderline high and levels above 240 mg/dl are considered high.

LDL Cholesterol

• LDL cholesterol is often referred to as bad cholesterol. An individual's LDL cholesterol should be 129 mg/dl or less. Those individuals at a higher risk for heart disease should aim to have LDL levels below 70 mg/dl. LDL levels between 130 and 159 mg/dl are considered borderline high, levels between 160 and 189 mg/dl are considered high, and levels over 190 mg/dl are considered very high.

HDL Cholesterol

• HDL cholesterol is often referred to as good cholesterol. Healthy HDL cholesterol levels should be 60 mg/dl or above. Levels between 50 and 59 mg/dl are considered to be moderately healthy. Levels under 50 mg/dl for women and 40 mg/dl for men are considered unhealthy.

Triglycerides

• Triglycerides are a certain kind of fat that is increased by alcohol and sweets. Triglyceride levels should be below 150 mg/dl. Triglyceride levels between 150 and 159 are considered borderline high, levels between 200 and 499 mg/dl are considered high and levels over 500 mg/dl are considered very high.