Understanding Your Lipid Profile Results: Normal Ranges

After receiving your lipid profile test, the next step is to interpret the numbers. While your doctor will provide personalized advice, it's helpful to understand the generally accepted ranges for cardiovascular health. These classifications help determine your level of risk and the potential need for lifestyle changes or treatment. The ranges below are primarily based on the U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) guidelines, a widely used reference.

Lipid Profile Reference Ranges Chart

The following table outlines the standard classifications for adults (age 20 and older).

Lipid Component	Category	Range (mg/dL)	Range (mmol/L)
Total Cholesterol	Desirable	< 200	< 5.2
	Borderline High	200 - 239	5.2 - 6.2
	High	≥ 240	≥ 6.2
LDL ("Bad") Cholesterol	Optimal	< 100	< 2.6
	Near Optimal	100 - 129	2.6 - 3.3
	Borderline High	130 - 159	3.4 - 4.1
	High	160 - 189	4.1 - 4.9
	Very High	≥ 190	≥ 4.9
HDL ("Good") Cholesterol	Low (Increased Risk)	< 40	< 1.0
	High (Protective)	≥ 60	≥ 1.6
Triglycerides	Normal	< 150	< 1.7
	Borderline High	150 - 199	1.7 - 2.2
	High	200 - 499	2.3 - 5.6
	Very High	≥ 500	≥ 5.6

Beyond the Numbers: Context is Key

It's crucial to remember that these ranges are general guidelines. Your personal targets may be different based on your overall cardiovascular risk profile. For example, a person with diabetes or a history of heart attack will have a stricter LDL-C goal (often below 100 mg/dL or even 70 mg/dL) than a healthy individual. This is why a comprehensive risk assessment, which our calculator provides, is so important.

Important Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for the interpretation of your personal health data and for any health concerns or decisions related to your health or treatment.

Calculate your personalized risk now using our main lipid profile calculation tool!