Understanding Cholesterol Numbers: What’s Healthy, What’s Not

After a cholesterol test, your doctor will share a set of numbers with you. Understanding what these numbers mean can help empower you to take care of your heart health. 

“The key to prevention is early detection,” says Robert Segal, MD, Cardiologist at Manhattan Cardiology in New York City.

What are the different numbers on a lipid panel?

On a lipid panel (cholesterol test), you’ll see several numbers:

• LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: “LDL cholesterol is bad cholesterol. I remember it as ‘L for lousy,’” says Segal.

• HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: This is the good kind of cholesterol. You can remember it as “H for healthy.”

• Total cholesterol: This is a measurement of both LDL and HDL cholesterol.

• Triglycerides: This is another type of fat in the blood that may increase the risk of heart disease.

What are considered healthy levels for cholesterol?

Cholesterol recommendations are based on people at an average risk. Your care team may recommend different ranges for you based on your other health factors.

In general, here’s what’s recommended as healthy levels for cholesterol:

• LDL should be below 100 mg/dL, or below 70 if you have heart disease risk factors.

• HDL should be 40 mg/dL or higher for men, and 50 or higher in women

• Total cholesterol should be 125 to 200 mg/dL

• Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dL

How often should you get a cholesterol test?

How often you need a cholesterol screening depends on your age, sex, and heart disease risk factors.

In general, you should receive your first cholesterol test between ages 9 and 11. You should continue getting cholesterol tests every five years.

Men should start getting their cholesterol tested every one or two years starting at age 45, and women should start at age 55, according to the National Institutes of Health.

At age 65, all adults should get their cholesterol tested every year.

If you have abnormal results or have heart disease risk factors, you may need to get tested more often.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

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