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Understanding your cholesterol test results

After you get the results of your fasting cholesterol test, compare them with the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines for healthy levels (see table, below).

Quick guide to cholesterol and triglyceride levels


Total cholesterol level Less than 200 mg/dL 200 239 mg/dL 240 mg/dL and above Total cholesterol category Desirable Borderline high High

LDL cholesterol level

LDL cholesterol category

Less than 100 mg/dL (less than 70 mg/dL for people at high risk) Optimal 100 129 mg/dL 130 159 mg/dL 160 189 mg/dL 190 mg/dL and above Near optimal/above optimal Borderline high High Very high

HDL cholesterol level Less than 40 mg/dL 60 mg/dL and above

HDL cholesterol category Low (representing risk) High (heart-protective)

Triglyceride level Less than 150 mg/dL 150 199 mg/dL 200 499 mg/dL 500 mg/dL and above

Triglyceride category Normal Borderline high High Very high

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