Cholesterol Levels Your cholesterol levels show how much cholesterol is circulating in your blood. Your HDL (“good” cholesterol) is the one number you want to be high (ideally 60 to 80). Your LDL (“bad” …

Apr 25, 2025 · Recommended total cholesterol levels are under 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for adults and under 170 mg/dL for children. Females typically need more HDL (good) cholesterol than …

Feb 16, 2024 · It is the sum of your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, plus 20% of your triglyceride level. While cholesterol levels above “normal ranges” are important in your overall heart disease risk, your …

Dec 25, 2025 · Total cholesterol represents the combined amount of "bad" cholesterol (low-density, or LDL), "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) in your blood, and 20% of the triglyceride …

May 5, 2025 · A blood test called a lipoprotein or lipid panel can measure your cholesterol levels. Before the test, you'll need to fast (not eat or drink anything but water) for 9 to 12 hours.

Jun 10, 2025 · A person’s cholesterol levels typically increase with age. For optimal health, adults over 20 should have total cholesterol levels of less than 200 mg/dl and LDL levels of less than 100...

May 15, 2024 · Key points Blood cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by your liver. Millions of people in the United States have high cholesterol. Optimal total blood cholesterol is 150mg/dL.

Jul 25, 2024 · Total cholesterol is usually measured together with other blood fats as part of a lipid profile. It is done to help determine your risk of developing heart disease.

May 13, 2024 · Cholesterol levels are checked using lipid profile tests. Learn how to read your cholesterol level numbers, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

Sep 11, 2025 · This number provides a general overview of your cholesterol status, with desirable levels falling below 200 mg/dL, borderline levels between 200-239 mg/dL, and high levels at 240 mg/dL or …