Lipid levels should be measured on fasting blood samples. Based on multiple studies, the following guidelines for blood lipid levels are recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program:
Total Cholesterol
less than 200 mg/dl
desirable
200-239 mg/dl
borderline
the risk of heart disease may increase two-fold
240 mg/dl and higher
high
the risk of heart disease is substantially increased
Triglycerides
less than 200 mg/dl
normal
200 – 400 mg/dl
borderline high
400 – 1000 mg/dl
high
greater than 1000 mg/dl
very high
LDL Cholesterol
less than two risk factors and no coronary heart disease
below 160 mg/dl
two or more risk factors and no coronary heart disease
below 130 mg/dl
high risk markers (diabetes, peripheral vascular disease)
below 100 mg/dl
coronary heart disease (prior heart attacks, angioplasty, or heart surgery)
below 70 mg/dl
HDL Cholesterol
Women
over 40 mg/dl
Men
over 35 mg/dl
A more sophisticated subtype analysis of lipid levels is now commercially available and should be discussed with your physician for unusual clinical circumstances.
For more information on the National Cholesterol Education Program you may click here
