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Because there are usually no signs or symptoms of high blood cholesterol,
it is best to have cholesterol level checked regularly. A blood test called a lipoprotein profile
will give the following information:
- Total cholesterol.
- LDL cholesterol.
- HDL cholesterol.
- Triglycerides: another form of fat in the blood.
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per
deciliter (dL) of blood.
| Total Cholesterol Level |
Total Cholesterol Category |
| Less than 200 mg/dL |
Desirable |
| 200-239 mg/dL |
Borderline high |
| 240 mg/dL and above |
High |
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| LDL Cholesterol Level |
LDL Cholesterol Category |
| Less than 100 mg/dL |
Optimal |
| 100-129 mg/dL |
Near optimal/above optimal |
| 130-159 mg/dL |
Borderline high |
| 160-189 mg/dL |
High |
| 190 mg/dL and above |
Very high |
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| HDL Cholesterol Level |
HDL Cholesterol Category |
| Less than 40 mg/dL |
A major risk factor for heart disease |
| 40-59 mg/dL |
The higher, the better |
| 60 mg/dL and above |
Considered protective against
heart disease |
Triglycerides can also raise the risk for heart disease. 150?99
mg/dL are borderline high; 200 mg/dL or more are high.
  
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