serum cholestrol values

Lipid Profile Values

Standard fasting blood tests for cholesterol and lipid profiles will include values for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol (so-called "good" cholesterol), LDL cholesterol (so-called "bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides. Family history and life style, including factors such as blood pressure and whether or not one smokes, affect what would be considered ideal versus non-ideal values for fasting blood lipid profiles. Included here are the values for various lipids that indicate low to high risk for coronary artery disease.
Total Serum Cholesterol

<200mg/dL = desired values

200 - 239mg/dL = borderline to high risk

240mg/dL and above = high risk
HDL Cholesterol

With HDL cholesterol the higher the better.

<40mg/dL for men and <50mg/dL for women = higher risk

40-50mg/dL for men and 50-60mg/dL for woman = normal values

>60mg/dL is associated with some level of protection against heart disease
LDL Cholesterol

With LDL cholesterol the lower the better.

<100mg/dL = optimal values

100mg/dL - 129mg/dL = optimal to near optimal

130mg/dL - 159mg/dL = borderline high risk

160mg/dL - 189mg/dL = high risk

190mg/dL and higher = very high risk
Triglycerides

With triglycerides the lower the better.

<150mg/dL = normal

150mg/dL - 199mg/dL = borderline to high risk

200mg/dL - 499mg/dL = high risk

>500mg/dL = very high risk