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. You have had your total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol and triglycerides tested and have  received the results.

Click on the link below that corresponds with your cholesterol level (as indicated on your  fitness concepts results).

1. Normal Cholesterol Levels
2. Borderline Cholesterol Levels
3. Abnormal Cholesterol Levels

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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