What the numbers mean (mg/dL)

Value	Desirable	Borderline	High
LDL ("bad")	below 100	130–159	160 and above (190+ very high)
Non-HDL	below 130	130–159	160 and above
HDL ("good")	60 and above	40–59	below 40 is low
Triglycerides	below 150	150–199	200 and above (500+ very high)
Total / HDL ratio	below 3.5	3.5–5	above 5

Based on the US National Cholesterol Education Program (ATP III) cut-offs. To convert: cholesterol mg/dL ÷ 38.67 = mmol/L; triglycerides mg/dL ÷ 88.57 = mmol/L.

How the values are calculated

Non-HDL cholesterol = total − HDL. It counts all the cholesterol in particles that can clog arteries, needs no fasting, and many guidelines now prefer it.
LDL = total − HDL − triglycerides ÷ 5 (Friedewald formula). It becomes unreliable with very high triglycerides (400 mg/dL or more) or very low LDL; labs then measure LDL directly or use newer formulas.
Total/HDL ratio — a rough summary of the balance between harmful and protective cholesterol.

Your target depends on your risk

There is no single "normal" LDL for everyone. People who already have heart disease, diabetes or a high 10-year risk are treated to much lower targets — often LDL below 70 or even 55 mg/dL. Very high LDL (190 mg/dL or more) suggests an inherited condition (familial hypercholesterolemia) that should be checked, including in close relatives.

Cholesterol and blood pressure

High cholesterol and high blood pressure multiply each other's damage to the arteries. The same habits help both: a Mediterranean or DASH-style diet, less saturated fat, more fiber, regular exercise and not smoking. See the DASH plan and check your blood pressure.

Screening tools give a first orientation, not a diagnosis. Talk to your doctor about your results, especially before major changes to diet, exercise or medication.