CHOLESTEROL

 

• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol (also known as "bad" cholesterol): Less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol (also known as "good" cholesterol): 60 mg/dL or higher
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL

If you have diabetes or heart disease, your doctor may recommend lower targets for LDL cholesterol.

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. Your doctor will consider your individual risk factors when determining your cholesterol goals.

Here are some of the factors that can affect your cholesterol levels:

• Age
• Gender
• Family history
• Race
• Weight
• Physical activity
• Diet
• Smoking
• Certain medications

If you have high cholesterol, there are things you can do to lower your levels, such as:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Losing weight
• Quitting smoking
• Taking medication, if necessary

Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.