Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol Levels : Good and Bad
A general idea about your cholesterol levels can be had if you know your total cholesterol and your HDL levels. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL* or more or if your HDL is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to have a lipoprotein profile done.
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Total Cholesterol Level
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Category
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Less than 200 mg/dL
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Desirable
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200-239 mg/dL
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Borderline High
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240 mg/dL and above
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High
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* Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.
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LDL Cholesterol Level
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LDL-Cholesterol Category
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Less than 100 mg/dL
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Optimal
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100-129 mg/dL
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Near optimal/above optimal
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130-159 mg/dL
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Borderline high
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160-189 mg/dL
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High
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190 mg/dL and above
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Very high
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HDL (good) cholesterol protects the heart from disease. The higher the number the better it is. Less than 40 mg/dL is considered low and a major risk for developing a heart disease. HDL levels of 60 mg/dL help you to lower the risk of a heart disease.
Heart disease can be raised with high triglyceride levels. Borderline high levels (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL or more) may be in need for treatment.
Read Next: Understanding your Blood Cholesterol Levels
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Cholesterol Reduction :: A Doctor's Guide
