What is the recommended cholesterol level?

Guidelines for recommended cholesterol levels serve as important metrics for cardiovascular risk assessment. While optimal values may slightly vary depending on individual patient profiles and specific clinical guidelines, the American Heart Association (AHA) provides general recommendations:

• Total Cholesterol: Ideally, total cholesterol levels should remain below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

• LDL Cholesterol: For individuals at low risk of heart disease, an LDL cholesterol level of less than 100 mg/dL is typically advised. However, more aggressive targets, such as below 70 mg/dL, may be recommended for those with a higher risk.

• HDL Cholesterol: A desirable level of HDL cholesterol is 60 mg/dL or higher, as this is considered protective against heart disease.

• Triglycerides: Triglyceride levels should ideally be maintained below 150 mg/dL.

It is essential to underscore that these numerical targets are general recommendations, and individualized assessment by a healthcare provider is crucial to determine appropriate goals based on a patient's specific risk factors and medical history.

References:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11920-cholesterol-numbers-what-do-they-mean

2. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/hdl-good-ldl-bad-cholesterol-and-triglycerides