Cholesterol numbers show how much cholesterol is circulating in your blood. Your HDL (good) cholesterol is the one number you want to be high (above 60). Your LDL (bad) cholesterol should be below 100. Your total should be below 200. Learn more about normal, high and low cholesterol levels, how to measure them and how to manage them. Too much cholesterol in the body can clog arteries. Total cholesterol is the sum of all the cholesterol in your blood. Your risk for heart attack and stroke increases with higher cholesterol levels. Other risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history of heart disease or stroke. Summary Cholesterol levels vary by age, weight, and sex. They typically increase over time, and people over 20 should check their cholesterol levels every 5 years. The Centers for Disease High cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood that can increase your risk of heart disease. It has no symptoms, but a blood test can detect it. You can lower your cholesterol with a healthy diet, regular exercise and sometimes medication. Learn more about the types, factors and complications of high cholesterol. High Cholesterol HDL and LDL Cholesterol Range by Age For adults, 125-200 mg/dL total cholesterol is a normal range By Barbie Cervoni, RD Updated on July 09, 2023 Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD Table of Contents Types of Cholesterol Levels by Age Getting Tested Risk Factors Lowering Cholesterol Normal triglyceride levels vary by age and sex. People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including a high LDL (bad) cholesterol level and a low HDL (good) cholesterol level. Many people with metabolic syndrome or diabetes also have high triglyceride levels. Learn how to interpret your cholesterol test results and what they mean for your heart health. Find out the normal ranges, factors that affect your cholesterol levels, and how to lower them. See a video, an animation, and a PDF guide on cholesterol score and LDL cholesterol. 5AfT.

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