Main content Cholesterol and Triglycerides Tests

    Cholesterol and Triglycerides Tests



    Results

    Cholesterol and triglyceride tests are blood tests that measure the total amount of fatty substances (Reference cholesterol Opens New Window and Reference triglycerides Opens New Window) in the blood.

    Results are usually available within 24 hours.

    The values listed here are for adult cholesterol levels. Desirable cholesterol and triglyceride levels are slightly different for children and teens. For more information, see Reference Cholesterol in Children and Teens.

    Cholesterol and triglycerides Reference 1

    Total cholesterol

    Desirable:

     

    Borderline high:
    • 200–239 mg/dL
    • 5.2–6.2 mmol/L

     

    High:
    • 240 mg/dL or higher
    • 6.2 mmol/L or higher

    HDL cholesterol

    High (desirable):
    • 60 mg/dL or higher
    • 1.6 mmol/L or higher

     

    Acceptable:
    • 40–60 mg/dL
    • 1.0–1.6 mmol/L

     

    Low (undesirable):
    • Less than 40 mg/dL
    • Less than 1.0 mmol/L

    LDL cholesterol

    Optimal:
    • Less than 100 mg/dL (less than 70 mg/dL for people at high risk for a heart attack)
    • Less than 2.6 mmol/L (less than 1.8 mmol/L for people at high risk for a heart attack)

     

    Near optimal:
    • 100–129 mg/dL
    • 2.6–3.3 mmol/L

     

    Borderline high:
    • 130–159 mg/dL
    • 3.4–4.1 mmol/L

     

    High:
    • 160–189 mg/dL
    • 4.1-4.9 mmol/L or higher

     

    Very high:
    • 190 mg/dL or higher
    • 4.9 mmol/L or higher

    VLDL cholesterol

    Optimal:
    • 30 mg/dL or less
    • 0.78 mmol/L or less

    Triglycerides

    Normal:
    • Less than 150 mg/dL
    • Less than 1.7 mmol/L

     

    Borderline high:
    • 150–199 mg/dL
    • 1.7–2.3 mmol/L

     

    High:
    • 200-499 mg/dL
    • 2.3-5.6 mmol/L

     

    Very high:
    • 500 mg/dL or higher
    • 5.6 mmol/L or higher
    • An HDL level of 60 mg/dL (1.5 mmol/L) or higher is linked with a lower risk of heart disease.
    • An HDL cholesterol level less than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) raises your risk for developing heart disease, especially if you also have high total cholesterol levels.
    • The ratio of total cholesterol to "good" (HDL) cholesterol may be important, especially if total cholesterol is high.
    • Very high cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be caused by an inherited form of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia).
    • Talk with your doctor about other things that raise your risk of heart problems. Your doctor may change your goals for cholesterol levels if you have other risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as:
    • If you have a very high risk of having a heart attack, your doctor may want your LDL level to be less than 70 mg/dL.
    Reference Interactive Tool: Are You at Risk for a Heart Attack? Reference Click here to see an interactive tool.



    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference February 1, 2012
    Medical Review: Reference Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
    Reference Carl Orringer, MD - Cardiology, Clinical Lipidology


    This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


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