Total Cholesterol

< 200 mg/dL	Desirable
200-239 mg/dL	Borderline high
≥ 240 mg/dL	High

LDL

< 70 mg/dL	Optimal for people at high risk for heart disease
< 100 mg/dL	Optimal for people at risk for heart disease
100-129 mg/dL	Near optimal
130-159 mg/dL	Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL	High
≥ 190 mg/dL	Very high

HDL

< 200 mg/dL	Poor
40-59 mg/dL	Better
≥ 60 mg/dL	Best

Triglycerides

< 150 mg/dL	Desirable
150-199 mg/dL	Borderline high
200-499 mg/dL	High
≥ 500 mg/dL	Very high

Total cholesterol / HDL ratio

3.5:1	Desirable
5:1	High

 
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the bloodstream and in the membranes of cells, and is used to make certain hormones, vitamin D and other substances important to your body. Cholesterol comes from two sources: your body and food. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, so any cholesterol from the food you eat is extra.

Cholesterol in food comes from animal products: meat, fish, eggs, butter, milk, cheese, etc. Foods that contain saturated fat and trans fat also raise your cholesterol levels.

You should have your cholesterol checked by a healthcare professional once every five years beginning in your twenties. If you are male and 45, female and 55, or you already know that you have borderline or high cholesterol, you should have it checked more often.

Tips for maintaining healthy cholesterol

• Maintain a healthy weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9).
• Eat nutrient-rich food that's low in cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat.
• Don't exceed the recommended daily cholesterol limit of 300 mg (200 mg for people with heart disease).
• Drink only in moderation — one drink per day for women, two drinks per day for men.
• Don't smoke or use other tobacco products.
• Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week.