Educational content only. This article does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal health decisions.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs; the rest comes from animal-based foods. Total cholesterol is the sum of LDL ("bad"), HDL ("good"), and other lipoprotein particles.
Elevated LDL cholesterol is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, total cholesterol alone is a limited predictor — a high HDL can push your total up while actually being protective. The ratio and trends across all fractions matter more than the total number alone.
| Group | Low | Normal | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desirable (adults) | — | < 200 mg/dL | — |
| Borderline high | — | 200–239 mg/dL | — |
| High | — | — | ≥ 240 mg/dL |
Note: Children and adolescents use different thresholds. Your individual cardiovascular risk profile — including blood pressure, smoking status, and family history — affects how your doctor interprets these numbers.
Cholesterol responds to diet, exercise, and medication changes over weeks to months. Comparing two or three readings taken under similar fasting conditions gives a much clearer picture of your cardiovascular trajectory than a single test.
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Get started free →This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges are general guidelines — always use the values on your own laboratory report and consult your healthcare provider.