HDL, LDL, total cholesterol — do you wish you had a cheat sheet for what your cholesterol numbers mean?
You’re in luck.
“A cholesterol blood test gives you clues about your heart. But you have to know what you’re looking at,” says Marcin Dada, MD, a cardiologist with Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute.
Here’s a guide.
What should I know before reviewing my cholesterol numbers?
First, a biology lesson: Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood, created by your liver and supplemented — sometimes too much — by what you eat.
“Cholesterol is key to your health, shuttling crucial molecules through the blood stream,” says Dr. Dada. “However, it can become a risk factor for heart disease. So you need to keep an eye on it.”
Second, a reminder: When you have a lipid panel, aka cholesterol blood test, your results will likely come back with labels like “normal” (green) and “at risk” (yellow or red). Those ranges apply to the average population.
However, in the words of your mom, you are special.
“Your doctor is the only person who can say what is normal and healthy for you,” says Dr. Dada. “Don’t read too much into your bloodwork results until you actually talk to your health team.”
> Related: 3 Health Numbers Everyone Should Know
Understanding your HDL, aka good cholesterol
“Cholesterol comes in two varieties. We think of HDL as the good one,” says Dr. Dada.
Why? The letters “HDL” stand for “high-density lipoprotein.” Because of its dense structure, it doesn’t snag on your artery walls. Better yet, it acts as a cleanup crew for plaque, working hard to keep your arteries clear.
When it comes to your bloodwork results, think “H” for “higher”: Generally, for HDL, higher is better.
- Under 40 mg/dL (men) or under 50 (women): Dangerous
- 40 to 49 (men) or 50 to 59 (women): At risk
- 60 and up: Healthy
> Related: What You Need to Know About HDL and LDL Cholesterol Levels
LDL, aka bad cholesterol
LDL stands for — you guessed it — low-density lipoprotein. Because of that low density, it easily deposits cholesterol on your artery walls. Too much, and it becomes a risk for heart issues like heart attack.
“For most people, LDL is the most important cholesterol number to pay attention to,” says Dr. Dada.
Think “L” for “lower”: With LDL, lower is better.
- Under 100 mg/dL: Healthy *If you have a history of heart attack or stroke, your doctor may aim for this to be lower still, like under 70
- 100 to 159: At risk
- 160 and up: Dangerous
> Related: 5 Foods to Avoid If You Have High Cholesterol
Triglycerides: Another lipid to limit
While triglycerides aren’t technically cholesterol, they’re a close cousin: They’re both lipids, aka fatty substances circulating through your blood.
“Like bad cholesterol, triglycerides can harm your heart if levels get too high,” says Dr. Dada.
- Under 150: Healthy
- 150 to 199: Borderline
- 200 to 499: At risk
- 500 and up: Dangerous
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Total cholesterol: The big picture
Add your HDL and LDL numbers, then tack on 20% of your triglyceride number: Voila, you have your total cholesterol.
“Total cholesterol is a way to put your HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels in context with one another,” says Dr. Dada. “It reflects the overall amount of lipids — good and bad — in your blood.”
- Under 200: Healthy
- 200 to 239: Borderline
- 240 and up: At risk
What if my cholesterol numbers aren’t in the normal range?
Sometimes cholesterol numbers are misleading ,so your doctor may order a calcium scoring test to look at your arteries. Depending on the results, you may need to make some dietary and lifestyle changes, possibly in combination with medication.
“Whether or not we’re happy with your cholesterol results depends not just on the numbers, but other factors like your overall health and family history,” says Dr. Dada. “Once we have the full picture, we can work with you on a plan to get your cholesterol numbers in a healthy range.”
