MedifocusHealth

All of the individual components of the lipid profile are important. The desirable levels of each component of the lipid profile vary somewhat depending upon the presence of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The following general guidelines pertain to most individuals:

• Total Cholesterol Level

  • desirable = less than 200 mg/dL
  • borderline high = 200-239 mg/dL
  • high = 240 mg/dL and above

• LDL Cholesterol Level

  • optimal (ideal) for people at risk for coronary artery disease = 100 mg/dL
  • near optimal = 100-129 mg/dL
  • borderline high = 130-159 mg/dL
  • high = 160-189 mg/dL
  • very high = 190 mg/dL and above

• HDL Cholesterol Level

  • best = 60 mg/dL and higher
  • in-between = 40-59 mg/dL
  • poor = below 40 mg/dL

• Triglyceride Level

  • desirable = below 150 mg/dL
  • borderline high = 150-199 mg/dL
  • high = 200-499 mg/dL
  • very high = 500 mg/dL and above

The 2004 updated guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program on the Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults recommended the following goals for LDL cholesterol levels for individuals who have other risk factors for coronary artery disease:

• Very high risk - LDL cholesterol level below 70 mg/dL
• Moderately high risk - less than 130 mg/dL, however, less than 100 mg/dL is considered as optimal

The determination of "very high risk" and "moderately high risk" groupings is based on the number of risk factors for coronary artery disease that a person may have which include:

• Age - 45 years of age or older (men) ; 55 years of age or older (women)
• Being overweight
• Not getting enough exercise
• Cigarette smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure - 140/90 or higher
• Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL)
• Family history of heart disease
• Family history of elevated total cholesterol (greater than 200 mg/dL)