The four numbers in your cholesterol report
| Test | Desirable | Borderline | High Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | <200 mg/dL | 200–239 | ≥240 mg/dL |
| LDL ("Bad" cholesterol) | <100 mg/dL | 100–159 | ≥160 mg/dL |
| HDL ("Good" cholesterol) — Men | >40 mg/dL | 40–59 | <40 (low is bad) |
| HDL — Women | >50 mg/dL | 50–59 | <50 (low is bad) |
| Triglycerides | <150 mg/dL | 150–199 | ≥200 mg/dL |
| Non-HDL Cholesterol | <130 mg/dL | 130–189 | ≥190 mg/dL |
What does HIGH LDL mean?
HIGH LDL above 160 mg/dL
LDL is the "bad" cholesterol that deposits in artery walls, causing plaques that narrow arteries (atherosclerosis) and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. High LDL is caused by: saturated fat and trans fat diet (red meat, fried food, butter, ghee in excess), genetics (familial hypercholesterolaemia), hypothyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, and obesity. Target LDL depends on your overall risk — people with diabetes or previous heart attack need LDL below 70 mg/dL.
What does LOW HDL mean?
LOW HDL below 40 mg/dL (men) / 50 mg/dL (women)
HDL is the "good" cholesterol that removes excess cholesterol from artery walls and carries it back to the liver. Low HDL is an independent risk factor for heart disease — even if total cholesterol is normal. Causes: smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, very high carbohydrate diet. Best ways to raise HDL: regular aerobic exercise, quitting smoking, losing weight, replacing refined carbs with healthy fats (nuts, olive oil, avocado).
What do HIGH triglycerides mean?
HIGH Triglycerides above 200 mg/dL
Triglycerides are fats stored from excess calories — especially from sugar, refined carbs and alcohol. High triglycerides raise heart disease risk and, when very high (above 500 mg/dL), risk causing acute pancreatitis — a medical emergency. Common causes in India: excess rice/roti/sugar intake, alcohol, uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease. Reducing refined carbs and sugar is more effective than reducing fat for lowering triglycerides.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is my 10-year heart disease risk (Framingham or PCE score)?
- Do I need a statin, or can lifestyle changes bring my LDL down enough?
- My HDL is low — what exercise and diet changes will raise it most?
- Should I get a coronary calcium score (CT scan) to assess actual plaque?