| Total Cholesterol | |
|---|---|
| Less than 200 mg/dL | Desirable |
| 200 – 239 mg/dL | Borderline-high |
| 240 mg/dL and above | High |
| HDL (Good) – Cholesterol (the higher the better) |
|
|---|---|
| Over 40 mg/dL (men) | Desirable |
| Over 50 mg/dL (women) | Desirable |
| 60 mg/dL and above | Considered protective against heart disease |
| LDL (Bad) – Cholesterol (the lower the better) |
|
|---|---|
| Less than 100 mg/dL | Optimal |
| 100 – 129 mg/dL | Near or Above Optimal |
| 130 – 159 mg/dL | Borderline-high |
| 160 – 189 mg/dL | High |
| 190 mg/dL and above | Very High |
Persons with heart disease, diabetes and other high risk factors such as smoking, obesity, should keep their LDL cholesterol below 70 mg/dL.
| Triglyceride | |
|---|---|
| Less than 150 mg/dL | Normal |
| 150 – 199 mg/dL | Borderline-high |
| 200 – 499 mg/dL | High |
| 500 mg/dL or above | Very High |
Sources: National Cholesterol Education Program, 2004 American Heart Association “What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean”
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