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Cholesterol
What Do My Cholesterol Levels Mean?
Since high blood cholesterol signals a higher risk of heart attack, it's important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly and discuss them with your health care provider.
What should my Total Cholesterol level be?
Total Blood Cholesterol levels:
| Less than 200 mg/dL | Desirable |
| 220-239 | Borderline high |
| 240 and above | High |
What should my HDL-Cholesterol level be?
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. HDL is considered “good” cholesterol because it seems to protect you from heart attack. That means that, unlike other cholesterol levels, the higher your HDL, the better. You can raise your HDL by quitting smoking, losing excess weight and being more active. Drinking alcohol also helps raise HDL, but since alcohol can cause other problems, don’t start drinking or drink more to raise your HDL. Make healthy lifestyle changes to raise your HDL and reduce your risk of heart attack.
| Less than 40 | High risk |
| More than 60 | Desirable |
What should my LDL-Cholesterol level be?
LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. This is the main carrier of harmful cholesterol in your blood. A high level of LDL means there’s a higher risk of heart disease.
| Less than 100 | Optimal |
| 100-129 | Near Optimal |
| 130-159 | Borderline High |
| 160-189 | High |
| 190 and above | Very High |
Normal Cholesterol Levels
Recommendations:
- Have your lipid panel repeated every 5 years
- Eat a diet with less than 30% of calories from fat
- Exercise at least 30 minutes three or more times a week
- If you smoke, please quit. REMEMBER: 7 out of 10 Longwood students don't smoke!
Borderline Normal Cholesterol Levels
Recommendations:
If you have cardiac risk factors including cigarette smoking, hypertension (BP > 140/90 or on an antihypertensive medication), HDL cholesterol < 40 mg/dL, family history of premature cardiac heart disease (father or grandfather < 55 years of age, mother or grandmother < 65 years of age) or age (men > 45, women > 55), you should consult your family primary care provider.
If you do not have any risk factors then:
- Have your lipid panel repeated every 5 years
- Follow a diet low in cholesterol
- Exercise regularly
- If you smoke, please quit. REMEMBER: 7 out of 10 Longwood students don't smoke!
Abnormal Cholesterol Levels
Recommendations:
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with your family primary care provider.
- Until your follow-up we recommend dietary changes and regular exercise.
- If you smoke, please quit. REMEMBER: 7 out of 10 Longwood students don't smoke!
How Can I Lower High Cholesterol? (pdf)