What are normal cholesterol values? What are the high and low cholesterol values? What is good and bad cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a blood fat produced by the liver. There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is the bad cholesterol. High levels of bad LDL cholesterol are dangerous to health. The second type of cholesterol is high-density lipoproteins (HDL) – good cholesterol. We want HDL levels to be as high as possible because good HDL cholesterol is healthy and beneficial to a properly functioning body.
Cholesterol: The Numbers Deciphered
Bad LDL Cholesterol Levels: The ideal LDL cholesterol level is less than 100 mg/dL. A level of 100mg/dL or more is less ideal. On the other hand, a level of 100 to 129 mg/dL is considered borderline high. An LDL cholesterol level of 130 to 159 mg/dL is considered an elevated level. LDL cholesterol levels between 160 to 189 mg/dL are high levels. LDL cholesterol levels of 190 mg/dL are extremely dangerous to a person’s health.
Good HDL Cholesterol Levels: An HDL cholesterol level of 60 mg/dL or more is a good level. The higher the level of good cholesterol, the better. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol values of 40 to 59 mg/dL constitute a borderline low level. HDL cholesterol values less than 40 mg/dL are not a good sign and indicate underlying health problems.
Total Cholesterol Levels: A total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL is considered normal. Total cholesterol levels between 200 and 239 mg/dL are abnormal borderline values that carry a risk to the patient. In contrast, total cholesterol values of 240 or higher constitute high-risk cholesterol levels and oftentimes need medical intervention to get under control.
