If your current non-HDL level is not known, then the guideline is to aim for below 2.5mmol/L (or LDL cholesterol below 1.8mmol/L).
Your ideal total cholesterol level should be around 150. Your LDL levels should be around 100 mg/dL. This range helps put you at a low risk of heart disease. Less than 120 mg/dL total cholesterol or an LDL level less than 50 mg/dL is very low.
A total cholesterol level of 2.4 mmol/L is considered optimal and is associated with better heart health and a lower risk of heart disease.
Our HEART UK experts say the protective effect of HDL cholesterol appears to reach its maximum at roughly 1.4mmol/L, and higher levels may not provide extra protection. Over 2.3mmol/L, HDL may behave more like LDL cholesterol (or 'bad cholesterol') and raise the risk of disease, according to current research.
As a guide, your non-HDL cholesterol should be lower than 4mmol/L and your total cholesterol should be 5mmol/L or less.
In general: The higher the ratio, the higher the risk. Most healthcare providers want the ratio to be below 5:1. A ratio below 3.5:1 is considered very good.
Your LDL cholesterol number is: Optimal if it is less than 2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) Near optimal/above optimal if it is 2.6 3.3 mmol/L (100-129 mg/dL) Borderline high if it is 3.4 4.1 mmol/L (130-159 mg/dL)
Cholesterol Ratio Ranges
Below 3.5 to 1: This ratio is considered optimal, putting you at very low risk for heart disease.
LDL levels should be: 3 mmol/L or less for healthy adults. 2 mmol/L or less for those at high risk.
You should try to keep your cholesterol ratio below 5 to 1 – with the ideal ratio being 3.5 to 1. For instance, if your total cholesterol is 180 mg/dl and your HDL is 82 mg/dl, your cholesterol ratio is 2.2 to 1.
What cholesterol levels are considered normal in Australia? The recommended blood cholesterol targets rely on a number of factors that are based on your personal risk. For the general healthy population, a total cholesterol of less than 5.5 mmol/L, LDL less than 2.0mmol/L and HDL of greater than 1.0 mmol/L is advised.
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your LDL cholesterol.
Constant stress is another story. If it's nonstop and lasts for a long time, your stress hormones remain at high levels and put a dangerous strain on your heart and other parts of your body. High levels of cortisol from chronic or long-term stress can cause high blood cholesterol, along with other heart disease risks.
Blood cholesterol is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, often shortened to mmol/L. As a general guide, total cholesterol levels should be: 5mmol/L or less for healthy adults. 4mmol/L or less for those at high risk.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the "bad cholesterol" in terms of its potential for harming the heart and brain. It is a major contributor to arterial plaque development. Levels of LDL cholesterol higher than 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are linked to an increased risk for ischemic stroke.
If you do not have risk factors for heart disease, you should limit your cholesterol intake to no more than 300 milligrams a day.
It's best to keep your total cholesterol level below 200. Women of any age should have an HDL level of 40 or higher.
A desirable ratio is 5:1, and an optimal ratio is 3.5:1. The lower this number is, the healthier a person's cholesterol levels are.
HDL ("good" cholesterol) of 50 mg/dL or higher, if you're a woman, or 40 mg/dL or higher, if you're a man. Optimal LDL is 100 or lower, says Mosca. If you have other major risk factors, like pre-existing cardiovascular disease or diabetes, your doctor may want your LDL closer to 70.
While coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. The diterpenes in coffee suppress the body's production of substances involved in cholesterol breakdown, causing cholesterol to increase. Specifically, coffee diterpenes may cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels.
When the body is dehydrated, the blood becomes acidic which can lead to a build-up in LDL levels of cholesterol. Drinking plenty of water will keep your blood ways clean and eliminate the excess buildup of cholesterol waste from the body.