Lab results explained
Lipid profile normal range
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Short answer: For most adults, a healthy lipid profile has total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L), LDL under 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L), triglycerides under 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) and non-HDL under 130 mg/dL. HDL should be at least 40 mg/dL in men and 50 in women. Your personal targets depend on your overall heart risk.
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Typical adult range
Your lab may print a slightly different range. Use the one on your report when there is one.
| Test | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Desirable: under 200 mg/dL Borderline high: 200–240 mg/dL High: 240 or more mg/dL | |
| LDL cholesterol ('bad') | Optimal: under 100 mg/dL Near optimal: 100–130 mg/dL Borderline high: 130–160 mg/dL High: 160–190 mg/dL Very high: 190 or more mg/dL | |
| HDL cholesterol ('good') | Low (higher is better): under 40 mg/dL Acceptable: 40–60 mg/dL Good (protective): 60 or more mg/dL | Low (higher is better): under 50 mg/dL Acceptable: 50–60 mg/dL Good (protective): 60 or more mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | Normal: under 150 mg/dL Borderline high: 150–200 mg/dL High: 200–500 mg/dL Very high: 500 or more mg/dL | |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | Desirable: under 130 mg/dL Above desirable: 130–160 mg/dL Borderline high: 160–190 mg/dL High: 190 or more mg/dL | |
| VLDL cholesterol | 2–30 mg/dL0.052–0.776 mmol/L | |
What a lipid profile measures
A lipid profile, also called a lipid panel or cholesterol test, measures fats in your blood. LDL is often called bad cholesterol because it builds up in artery walls. HDL is called good cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away. Triglycerides are fats that rise after meals, with alcohol and with high blood sugar. Non-HDL is total cholesterol minus HDL, and VLDL is usually estimated from triglycerides, with a usual range of 2 to 30 mg/dL. US and South Asian labs report mg/dL. UK labs use mmol/L.
What each range means
These bands follow widely used US guidance. Doctors care most about LDL and non-HDL, because they track most closely with heart disease. To convert cholesterol from mg/dL to mmol/L, divide by about 38.7. For triglycerides, divide by about 88.6. Your lab may print slightly different bands, and your doctor may set a lower LDL goal for you if your heart risk is higher.
- Total cholesterol: under 200 desirable, 200 to 239 borderline high, 240 or more high
- LDL: under 100 optimal, 100 to 129 near optimal, 130 to 159 borderline high, 160 to 189 high, 190 or more very high
- HDL: under 40 (men) or 50 (women) is low, 60 or more is protective
- Triglycerides: under 150 normal, 150 to 199 borderline, 200 to 499 high, 500 or more very high
- Non-HDL: under 130 desirable
Why your own target may be different
A normal range is a starting point. Your doctor judges your cholesterol together with your age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, kidney health and family history to estimate your heart risk. People who already have heart disease or diabetes are usually given lower LDL targets. People of South Asian heritage tend to develop heart disease earlier and at lower cholesterol levels, so doctors may act sooner. An LDL of 190 mg/dL or more can point to an inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia, and family members may need testing too.
What usually happens next
If your results are in range, your doctor will usually suggest a repeat test every few years, or more often if you have risk factors. If some numbers are high, a repeat test is common, sometimes after fasting for 9 to 12 hours if triglycerides were high. Diet changes, regular activity, weight loss, cutting down alcohol and stopping smoking all help. Depending on your overall risk, your doctor may suggest a cholesterol-lowering medicine such as a statin. Very high triglycerides need prompt attention because they can inflame the pancreas.
When to get help the same day
Cholesterol results are rarely an emergency. Get same-day medical care if your triglycerides are 1,000 mg/dL (11.3 mmol/L) or higher, especially with belly pain. Call your local emergency number for severe belly pain spreading to the back with vomiting, or for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is my overall heart risk, and what LDL target should I aim for?
- Do I need a repeat test, and should I fast for it?
- Could diabetes, thyroid problems or medicines be affecting my results?
- Should my family be tested for inherited high cholesterol?
- Would lifestyle changes be enough, or do I need medicine?
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for a lipid profile?
Often no. Many labs now accept a non-fasting sample for routine checks. Your doctor may ask you to fast for 9 to 12 hours if your triglycerides were high before or if a precise LDL is needed. Follow your lab's or doctor's instructions.
Is total cholesterol of 220 mg/dL high?
A total cholesterol of 220 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L) is borderline high. What matters more is your LDL, HDL and overall heart risk. Your doctor will look at the full profile before suggesting any treatment.
Can HDL be too high?
Higher HDL is usually linked with lower heart risk, and 60 mg/dL or more is considered protective. Very high levels do not always add extra protection. A high HDL does not cancel out a high LDL.
What is a normal lipid profile in mmol/L?
Roughly, total cholesterol under 5.2 mmol/L, LDL under 2.6, HDL at least 1.0 in men and 1.3 in women, and triglycerides under 1.7 mmol/L. UK targets may be set in mmol/L by your doctor based on your risk.
Sources
This page explains what results usually mean. It isn't a diagnosis or medical advice; your doctor interprets results with your symptoms, history and medicines. Medical disclaimer
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