Cholesterol levels less than 200 mg/dL are considered desirable, while levels of 240 mg/dL or above are high and require more specific attention. Levels from 200-239 mg/dL also require attention especially if your HDL-cholesterol is low or if you have two or more other risk factors for heart disease. Look at the chart to see how many risk factors you have. Your doctor looks at all your risk factors to decide what you need to do to lower your blood cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.

HDL-Cholesterol. Unlike total and LDL-cholesterol, the lower your HDL, the higher your risk for heart disease. An HDL level less than 35 mg/dL is considered low and increases your risk for heart disease. The higher your HDL, the better. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or above is high.

LDL-Cholesterol. Your doctor will likely check your LDL-cholesterol level if your:

Your LDL level gives a better picture of your risk for heart disease than your total cholesterol. Here are the categories for LDL levels:

Lowering LDL is the main aim of treatment for a cholesterol problem. If your LDL level puts you at high-risk and you have fewer than two other risk factors for heart disease, then your treatment goal is an LDL level of less than 160 mg/dL. However, if you have two or more other risk factors for heart disease, your LDL goal should be less than 130 mg/dL. If you already have heart disease, your LDL should be even lower -- 100 mg/dL or less.