Cholesterol at a Glance
Total Cholesterol
 |
| < 200 mg/dL |
 |
Desirable |
|
| 200–239 mg/dL |
|
Borderline high |
|
| ≥ 240 mg/dL |
|
High |
|
LDL
|
| < 70 mg/dL |
|
Optimal for people at high risk for heart disease |
|
| < 100 mg/dL |
|
Optimal for people at risk for heart disease |
|
| 100–129 mg/dL |
|
Near optimal |
|
| 130–159 mg/dL |
|
Borderline high |
|
| 160–189 mg/dL |
|
High |
|
| ≥ 190 mg/dL |
|
Very high |
|
HDL
|
| < 40 mg/dL |
|
Poor |
|
| 40–59 mg/dL |
|
Better |
|
| ≥ 60 mg/dL |
|
Best |
|
Triglycerides
|
| < 150 mg/dL |
|
Desirable |
|
| 150–199 mg/dL |
|
Borderline high |
|
| 200–499 mg/dL |
|
High |
|
| ≥ 500 mg/dL |
|
Very high |
|
Total cholesterol / HDL ratio
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the bloodstream
and in the membranes of cells, and is used to make certain hormones, vitamin
D and other substances important to your body. Cholesterol comes from two sources:
your body and food. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, so any cholesterol
from the food you eat is extra.
Cholesterol in food comes from animal products: meat, fish, eggs, butter,
milk, cheese, etc. Foods that contain saturated fat and trans fat also
raise your cholesterol levels.
You should have your cholesterol checked by a healthcare
professional once every five years beginning in your twenties. If you are
male and 45, female and 55, or you already know that you have borderline
or high cholesterol, you should have it checked more often.
Tips for maintaining healthy cholesterol
- Maintain a healthy
weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9).
- Eat nutrient-rich food that’s
low in cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat.
- Don’t exceed
the recommended daily cholesterol limit of 300 mg (200 mg for people
with heart disease).
- Drink only in moderation – one drink per
day for women, two drinks per day for men.
- Don’t smoke or use
other tobacco products.
- Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity
on most or all days of the week.
