Date: Total Cholesterol: What Do Your Cholesterol Numbers Mean? Total Cholesterol A measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. This can be influenced by your family history and diet. Desirable Borderline High High Less than 200 mg/dL 200 to 239 mg/dL 240 mg/dL or above LDL Levels It is sometimes called "bad cholesterol" because it encourages plaque to stick to the artery walls. It is strongly linked with cardiovascular disease risk. You want your LDL levels to be as low as possible. Optimal Near optimal or above optimal Borderline High High Very High Less than 100 mg/dL 100 to 129 mg/dL 130 to 159 mg/dL 160 to 189 mg/dL 190 mg/dL and above HDL Levels It is frequently called the "good cholesterol" because it clears excess cholesterol from your blood. You want your HDL levels to be as high as possible. Triglycerides It is a major form of fat (lipid) in the body and in food, which contributes to heart disease. Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio This is a risk for developing heart disease. Total cholesterol divided by your HDL. Lowers your risk for developing heart disease Increases your risk for developing heart disease Normal Borderline High Risk Desirable for Men Desirable for Women Levels of 60 mg/dL or higher Levels of less than 40 mg/dL Below 150 150 to 199 200 + 4.5 or less 4.5 or less IMPORTANT: consider reviewing your results with your doctor at your next visit, especially if you have a chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes) as the recommended levels might differ from those listed above. selecthealth Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital Center 88 © 2006, 2007 SelectHealth. All rights reserved. 0698 10/07