When people receive their cholesterol blood test results, they immediately ask, “What are normal or good numbers? And what are abnormal or bad numbers?”
This article outlines what the results of the fasting cholesterol test (sometimes called a lipid panel or lipid profile) mean.
Numbers for Cholesterol Meaning
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood in the United States and some other countries.”
To interpret test results, there are four categories of numbers that are analyzed:
- Total cholesterol
- HDL
- LDL
- Triglycerides
Total Cholesterol Level
According to cholesterol.about.com, the total cholesterol number “represents the total amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood at the time of the test.”
The American Heart Association gives guidelines for interpreting levels:
- Less than 200 mg/dL = optimal
- 200 to 239 mg/dL = borderline high
- 240 mg/dL = high
HDL Number
HDL means “high-density lipoprotein.” It is sometimes referred to as “good cholesterol” because it is associated with decreased risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Higher levels of HDL are better than lower levels. WebMD explains, “This is because HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease by taking the ‘bad’ cholesterol out of your blood and keeping it from building up in your arteries.”
The Mayo Clinic outlines what HDL numbers mean:
- 60 mg/dL and above = best
- 50 to 59 mg/dL = better
- Men: Below 40 mg/dL; Women: Below 50 mg/dL = poor
LDL Number
LDL means “low-density lipoprotein.” It is often called “bad cholesterol” because it is associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The lower the LDL level, the better.
The American Heart Association summarizes how to read LDL results:
- Less than 100 mg/dL = optimal
- 100 to 129 mg/dL = near optimal
- 130 to 159 mg/dL = borderline high
- 160 to 189 mg/dL = high
- 190 mg/dL and above = very high
Triglyceride Level
Triglycerides are the most common kind of fat (lipid) in the blood and body. A lower triglyceride reading is healthier. Higher levels are associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
The Mayo Clinic outlines how triglyceride numbers should be read:
- Below 150 mg/dL = optimal
- 150 to 199 mg/dL = borderline high
- 200 to 499 mg/dL = high
- 500 mg/dL and above = very high
Meaning of Cholesterol Numbers
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart problems and stroke. For this reason, starting in early adulthood, people should periodically monitor their levels.
Doctors often focus primarily on lowering LDL levels in patients with high cholesterol. The Mayo Clinic explains, “Your target LDL number can vary, depending on your underlying risk of heart disease. Most people should aim for an LDL level below 130 mg/dL.” However, an individual's target level may be lower depending on his or her underlying health conditions and genetic risk.
Sources:
Cholesterol Levels, AmericanHeart.org. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
Cholesterol levels: What numbers should you aim for?, MayoClinic.com. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
Understanding Cholesterol Numbers, WebMD.com. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
What is a Total Cholesterol Level?, cholesterol.about.com. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
Aimee Larsen Stoddard - Aimee is a professional writer/editor. She has a BA in English and is currently completing an MS in Theology.
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