Total Cholesterol
Category
Less than 200
Desirable
200 - 239
Borderline High
240 and above
High
LDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol Category
Less than 100
Optimal
100 - 129
Near optimal
130 - 159
Borderline high
160 - 189
High
190 and above
Very high
HDL*
HDL Cholesterol Category
60 or more
Desirable - helps to lower risk of
heart disease
Less than 40
Major risk factor - increases the
risk for developing heart disease
*HDL (good) cholesterol protects against heart disease, so for HDL, higher numbers are better.
Triglycerides
HDL Cholesterol Category
Less than 150
Normal (desirable)
heart disease
150-199
Borderline high
200 or more
High, may require treatment in
some people