You may see your test results appear in your electronic medical record before you have a chance to speak with your doctor. Don’t worry—these numbers are easier to understand than they may look at first glance. Lipid panel results include measures for three different types of cholesterol and triglycerides, which is not cholesterol, but an essential fat that can cause problems if they are out of balance.
These results are measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL), which shows the concentration of the cholesterol in a specific amount of blood. Adults ages 20 and older should pay attention to the following:
HDL (“good”) cholesterol
HDL is considered “good” because it eliminates excess cholesterol in the body by carrying it from the bloodstream to the liver to be removed from the body.
- Optimal: 60 mg/dL or above
- Borderline: 40-50 mg/dL (men); 50-59 mg/dL (women)
- Low: Under 40 mg/dL (men); under 50 mg/dL (women)
LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
LDL is considered “bad” because it is the most common type of cholesterol that contributes to plaque buildup in the blood vessels. “For most patients, LDL is the most important component of the cholesterol panel,” Dr. Giaimo says. For patients without a history of heart attack or stroke these values can be a guide:
- Optimal: Under 100 mg/dL
- Borderline/intermediate: 100 mg/dL
- High: 70 mg/dL or above
Total cholesterol
This number represents all the cholesterol in your blood. It includes both HDL and LDL cholesterol. Total cholesterol is also considered a key indicator for heart disease risk.
- Optimal: Under 200 mg/dL
- Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dL
- High: 240 mg/dL or above
Triglycerides
These are fats converted from unused calories for energy. High triglyceride levels can be caused by obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome and signal risk for heart disease, and pancreatitis, notes Dr. Giaimo. Early signs of metabolic syndrome include slightly high triglycerides and low HDL levels:
- Optimal: Under 150 mg/dL
- Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL
- High: 200-499 mg/dL
- Very high: 500 mg/dL or above
