What is a Healthy Cholesterol Level?
 Your cholesterol level is one of the most important aspects of your health, and thankfully it is also one of the easiest to monitor and influence. While heredity can play a role in cholesterol health, there are many other factors that go into determining your cholesterol. But what is considered a healthy cholesterol level?
Your total cholesterol is made up of three different types: LDL (also known as "bad" cholesterol), HDL (also known as "good" cholesterol), and triglycerides. Each of these factors can fluctuate and have their own ranges that contribute to and determine your healthy cholesterol levels. Average cholesterol levels are often quoted at the following levels:
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
- Less than 100 - Optimal
- 100-129 - Near normal
- 130-159 - Above average
- 160-189 - High
- Greater than 190 - Very high
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
- Greater than 60 - High (optimal, lowered risk of developing other conditions)
- Less than 40 in men, and less than 50 in women - Low (higher risk of developing other conditions)
- Triglycerides
- Less than 150 - Normal
- 150-199 - Above average
- 200-499 - High
- Greater than 500 - Very high
- Total cholesterol
- Less than 200 - Normal, healthy cholesterol level
- 200-239 - Above average
- Greater than 240 - High
If you are concerned about your cholesterol health, have questions about healthy cholesterol levels, or want to know more about naturally reducing cholesterol, continued research and consultation with experienced health care professionals may be able to answer your questions and lead you down the road to optimal health, as well as help you determine your cholesterol risk.
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