Key takeaways
- Ideal cholesterol levels are important for maintaining cardiovascular health, with target levels for total cholesterol and triglycerides typically below 150 mg/dL.
- Cholesterol is measured through a lipid panel blood test, which assesses levels of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides to determine the risk of heart disease.
- Managing cholesterol involves lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, but medication may be necessary for individuals with existing heart conditions or very high cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that has many functions. For example, it forms part of your cells, hormones, and bile acids.
Your body produces some cholesterol on its own. You also obtain some from your diet.
Balanced cholesterol levels support good cardiovascular health. Meanwhile, levels that are too high can increase your risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, and heart failure.
| Cholesterol type | Level |
|---|---|
| total cholesterol | less than 150 mg/dL |
| low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | less than 100 mg/dL |
| high-density lipoprotein (HDL) | higher than 40 mg/dL for males, and higher than 50 mg/dL for females |
| trigylcerides | less than 150 mg/dL |
The results of your cholesterol test are expressed as mg/dL. This measurement shows the concentration of different cholesterol types in your blood.
Many laboratories consider a total cholesterol reading of less than 200 mg/dL to be “normal.” However, what’s ideal for one person may be lower than that, so talk with your doctor about a reading that’s ideal for you.
What healthy cholesterol levels look like for you can depend on factors like:
- age
- sex assigned at birth
- family history of heart disease
- any coexisting health conditions, like diabetes or kidney disease
Healthcare professionals measure cholesterol through a blood test called a lipid panel or lipid profile.
Before a routine cholesterol test, you generally don’t need to fast. However, the testing healthcare professional may ask you to fast if they suspect certain health conditions, including pancreatitis or hypertriglyceridemia.
A lipid test generally requires
The test provides information about the following
- LDL cholesterol: Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. In turn, that can raise the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries have hardened and your risk of a stroke or heart attack is higher.
- HDL cholesterol: Also known as “good” cholesterol, this type helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. That means it can help counteract the harmful effects of high LDL and triglyceride levels.
- Triglycerides: This is a type of fat in the blood that works as storage for excess energy. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Total cholesterol: This is the amount of cholesterol in your blood, measured as your total LDL and HDL plus 20% of your triglycerides.
Understanding the levels of these cholesterol types in your blood can help healthcare professionals assess your risk of heart disease. This information can also provide insights into other conditions, including diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Some people can improve their cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes alone. Others may need to take medication.
A healthcare professional — like a primary care physician, cardiologist, or lipidologist — can help determine the best approach for you.
Lifestyle changes
Depending on your health and preferences, lifestyle changes to consider may include the following:
- Diet: As outlined in the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans , focus on fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, whole grains, and lean proteins. And try to limit trans fats, saturated fats, added sugar, and salt. Some people may benefit from following specific eating plans, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet or the Mediterranean diet. - Get regular physical activity: A
2023 population-based study suggests that regular physical activity can significantly improve cholesterol. Try to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. - Maintain a moderate weight: Maintaining a moderate weight may help support healthy cholesterol levels. A 2022 study suggests that sustained weight loss can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of associated heart disease.
- Quit smoking if you smoke: As shown in a
2023 study , smoking cessation may help improve HDL and total cholesterol levels. Quitting smoking also benefits many other aspects of your health, like heart rate and lung function.
Your doctor will work with you to determine what kinds of dietary, exercise, and other lifestyle changes may be best for you. They may also recommend monitoring and managing your blood pressure or other risk factors for high cholesterol.
When do you need cholesterol medication?
Lifestyle changes are not always enough to manage cholesterol levels.
- certain medical conditions, like familial hypercholesterolemia or diabetes
- a high risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke
- persistent high cholesterol levels despite lifestyle modifications
Common medications include the following:
- statins
- cholesterol absorption inhibitors
- bile acid sequestrants
- PCSK9 inhibitors
Your doctor will determine whether you need medication in addition to lifestyle changes. If you do, they’ll explore which types are the safest and best for you.
Though cholesterol helps with certain body functions, excessively high levels can be harmful. For instance, irregular levels can increase your risk of conditions like stroke or heart attack.
A simple blood test can measure levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. If your levels are atypical, a healthcare team may recommend lifestyle changes and medications to improve your heart health.