Good Cholesterol Levels

When it comes to good cholesterol levels, total cholesterol numbers can be misleading. Ideal levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and HDL ("good" cholesterol) are the goal of most cholesterol treatment. For many people, good cholesterol levels for LDL should be under 100 mg/dL, but this varies based on risk factors for heart disease. Good HDL levels should be above 40 mg/dL.

 

Things to Consider About Good Cholesterol Levels

When assessing your cholesterol, there are actually a few cholesterol figures to keep in mind. These cholesterol numbers include:
 
Triglyceride levels should also be taken into consideration. Although triglycerides are actually not cholesterol, they can be a factor in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
 

Good Total Cholesterol Levels

Good total
 cholesterol levels should be under 200 mg/dL. Keep in mind, however, that total cholesterol levels can be misleading. For example, good total cholesterol levels can include low HDL levels and high LDL levels. Both low HDL levels and high LDL levels increase a person's risk for heart disease. This is why most cholesterol-lowering treatment decisions are based on HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, not total cholesterol.
 
(Good Cholesterol Levels Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD