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Doctors use total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL measurements to determine cholesterol score. A good total cholesterol score is less than 200 mg/dL, while a good LDL score is below 100 mg/dL. A good HDL score is 60 mg/dL or higher, and a good triglyceride score is below 150 mg/dL. Lifestyle changes and medication may be recommended to address high cholesterol.
There are three ways to assess your cholesterol score, which are often used together. Measurements typically taken to determine your cholesterol score include total cholesterol and individual cholesterol measurements for high-density lipoprotein or HDL and low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol. When these measurements are read together, your doctor has the best way to determine your cholesterol score and cholesterol health. The test may also include an assessment of your triglyceride level.
When assessing your total cholesterol level, your desired cholesterol score should be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A score between 200-239 mg/dL is considered borderline high, and a score of 240 mg/dL or greater is high. Many doctors suggest that patients try to achieve a cholesterol level of around 150-180 mg/dL by making dietary changes and pursuing exercise. When this can be accomplished, the total cholesterol score is considered safe and is nowhere near borderline high.
LDL measurements tend to measure the “bad” cholesterol that is more likely to lead to disease. So in this case you are looking for a low number. A good LDL cholesterol score is between 100-129 mg/dL. A score below 100 mg/dL is considered optimal. An LDL cholesterol score of 130-159 mg/dL is borderline, 160-189 mg/dL is high, and 190 mg/dL is very high. With LDL measurement and total cholesterol measurement, you want to see these numbers lower, rather than high.
Conversely, your HDL cholesterol score is better when the number is higher. This is the “good cholesterol” that our bodies need: it keeps total cholesterol and LDL count low. A good HDL cholesterol score is 60 mg/dL or higher. 40 mg/dL or less is considered a risk factor for developing heart disease.
Doctors can measure triglyceride levels when a blood cholesterol score is calculated. Generally a good score for triglycerides is below 150 mg/dL. Doctors also look at the whole health picture when they measure cholesterol. For example, a person with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease is more at risk if levels are near the limit. People with a poor diet, extra weight, and who don’t pursue an active lifestyle are also at a higher risk of heart disease due to a high cholesterol score.
In most cases, when a cholesterol score is borderline, a doctor will help the patient by suggesting a modified diet and exercise plan. Patients are also advised to quit smoking as this can lower HDL and raise LDL. If your cholesterol score is high, doctors may need to start score-lowering medications, while also recommending specific diet and exercise plans to address the condition.
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