Cholesterol Levels

Total cholesterol - the total amount of cholesterol in the blood. It includes both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

LDL (bad) cholesterol - the main source for cholesterol plaque buildup and blockage in the arteries.

HDL (good) cholesterol - HDL helps remove cholesterol from the cholesterol plaque buildups in the arteries.

Non-HDL - total cholesterol minus HDL. The non-HDL includes LDL and other types of cholesterol, such as VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein).

Triglycerides - a form of lipid in the blood that can raise the risk for heart disease. Higher risk for in women.

Total Cholesterol Level	Category
<200 mg/dl (<5.18 mmol/L)	Desirable
200-239 mg/dl (5.18-6.18 mmol/L)	Borderline high
≥240 mg/dl (>6.18 mmol/L)	Desirable
LDL Cholesterol Level	Category
<70 mg/dl (<1.18 mmol/L)	Optimal for individuals with coronary artery disease
<100 mg/dl (<2.6 mmol/L)	Optimal for individuals at risk for coronary artery disease, or with a history of diabetes
100-129 mg/dl (2.6-3.3 mmol/L)	Near optimal if no coronary artery disease/ above optimal if presence of coronary artery disease
130-159 mg/dl (3.4-4.1 mmol/L)	Borderline if no coronary heart disease, high if presence of coronary artery disease
160-189 mg/dl (4.1-4.9 mmol/L)	High if no presence of coronary heart disease, very high if presence of coronary artery disease
≥190 mg/dl (>4.9 mmol/L)	Very high
HDL Cholesterol Level	Category
≥60 mg/dl (>1.5 mmol/L)	Considered protective against heart disease
men - 40-59 mg/dl (1-1.5 mmol/L)	The higher, the better
women - 50-59 mg/dL (1.3-1.5 mmol/L)
men - <40 mg/dl (<1 mmol/L)	A major risk factor for heart disease
women - <50 mg/dl (<1.3 mmol/L)

	Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio	Risk for Coronary artery Disease
Women	3.3	Half the Average Risk
	4.4	Average Risk
	7.0	Double the Average Risk
Men	3.4	Half the Average Risk
	5.0	Average Risk
	9.6	Double the Average Risk

Triglyceride Level	Category
<150 mg/dl (<1.7 mmol/L)	Normal
150-199 mg/dl (<1.8-2.2 mmol/L)	Borderline high
200-499 mg/dl (<2.3-5.6 mmol/L)	High
≥500 mg/dl (>5.6 mmol/L)	Very high

---

Related Pages

• Medical Disorders
  • Cardiovascular Disease

References/Websites

• References
  • Grundy SM, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol. Circulation. 2019;139:e1082–e1143.