Understanding Cholesterol Numbers

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Cholesterol is a type of waxy, fat-like substance, or lipid, that the body needs to function. It forms part of the cell membranes, helps the liver make bile, and serves as a building block for hormones.

There are several types of cholesterol. They include:

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a good cholesterol that helps protect the arteries

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is bad cholesterol that causes plaque buildup in the arteries

Very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol is another type of bad cholesterol that can also cause plaque buildup in the arteries

Non-HDL cholesterol- refers to all the cholesterol in the blood, except for HDL cholesterol

Cholesterol is vital for us to live, as it does many essential jobs in the body. However, too much cholesterol in the blood is harmful as it can enter the artery wall, weakening it, leading to hardened deposits of atherosclerotic plaque to form. This is called atherosclerosis, and it can lead to problems such as:

Coronary artery disease

Peripheral artery disease

Carotid artery disease

A person can live for many years with high cholesterol and not know it. High levels of cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, can be a risk of a heart attack or stroke. That is why it is important to get your cholesterol numbers checked on a regular basis.

When getting your cholesterol numbers checked, a healthcare provider will use a blood test called a lipid panel. A healthcare provider will check the numbers of the main levels of cholesterol. They include:

Total cholesterol: Below 200

LDL cholesterol: Below 100

VLDL cholesterol: Below 30

HDL cholesterol: 40-80 for males. 50-80 for females

The lipid panel also measures another type of fat in the blood called triglycerides.

Normal cholesterol levels can vary based on age, ethnicity, and sex.

If a person has heart disease or several risk factors, the LDL target number may be different, and a healthcare provider will want the number to be below 70.

HDL numbers are typically better when higher rather than lower. An ideal number for HDL cholesterol should be between 60 and 80 to protect against heart disease. An HDL number over 80 is too high and can be unhealthy. HDL is the only number that has sex-based differences, as females need a higher HDL level than males.

High cholesterol means that total cholesterol is 200/mg/dl or higher, or higher than normal. “Borderline high” is a phrase that healthcare providers may use to break down the results of a lipid panel. If a person’s cholesterol numbers are close to normal, they may be easier to manage. High cholesterol numbers include:

Total cholesterol: Borderline high: 200-239

High: 240 or higher

LDL cholesterol: Elevated:100-129

Borderline high: 130-159

High: 160-189

VLDL cholesterol: 30 or higher

LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol numbers should be lower rather than higher.

How often a person gets their cholesterol checked depends on their age, family history, risk factors for heart disease, and their sex, as males need more frequent tests starting at a younger age.

Males ages 20 to 44 should get their cholesterol checked every five years. Males ages 45 to 65 should get their cholesterol checked every one to two years. And males 65 years and older should get their cholesterol checked every year.

Females ages 20-54 should get their cholesterol checked every five years. Females ages 55 to 65 should get their cholesterol checked every one to two years. And females 65 and older should get their cholesterol checked every year.

It is important to know what your cholesterol numbers are, as they can help you learn about your potential risks for heart disease. A healthcare provider will look at your cholesterol numbers, as well as the other aspects of your health, to learn more about your risks of heart disease.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about understanding cholesterol numbers, you can speak with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National Cholesterol Education Month

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. It serves as an important time to focus on heart health, getting your blood cholesterol checked, and taking proactive steps to manage cholesterol levels.

National Cholesterol Education Month seeks to inform the public about the dangers of high cholesterol and its connection with the leading cause of death around the globe, heart disease.

High cholesterol is one of the most common and commonly misunderstood health risks in America. It can be caused by an unhealthy diet and exacerbated by smoking and a lack of exercise. Since it is symptomless, it can be hard to diagnose. It is a serious condition that affects nearly 102 million Americans over the age of 20 years old.

Fortunately, managing cholesterol levels can be achieved through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication. Here are some effective strategies to help lower cholesterol:

Adopting a heart-healthy diet that focuses on eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Incorporate healthy fats from sources such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil, while reducing intake of saturated and trans fats found in processed and fried foods.
Increasing physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling, can help raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended.
Maintaining a healthy weight by losing excess weight through a combination of healthy eating and exercising regularly can improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol use through smoking cessation and moderate alcohol consumption can improve HDL cholesterol levels and reduce overall cardiovascular risk.
Monitoring your cholesterol levels by getting regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help track cholesterol levels and assess risk factors. This is particularly important for younger adults who may not exhibit symptoms, but could still be at risk.

National Cholesterol Education Month is an important time to reflect on the state of our heart health and take proactive steps to manage our cholesterol levels.

If you are concerned about your heart health and would like to get your blood cholesterol checked, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Natural Ways To Lower Cholesterol

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

High cholesterol is one of the health issues that affects millions of Americans and is responsible for people experiencing a higher risk of heart attacks, heart disease and stroke. Poor diet, lack of exercise, heredity and lifestyle choices are some of the reasons people are affected. Physicians can prescribe medications that will help control cholesterol levels in the blood, but there are also some ways to bring cholesterol levels down without medication.

Diets that contain a lot of red meat, dairy products, eggs, chocolate, baked items, processed foods and sugar are not healthy. Eating foods that are healthier such lean cuts of meat, nuts, and oils such as olive oil, canola oil and safflower oil tend to be better choices when watching cholesterol levels.

Additionally, diets that are rich in the following will tend to help lower levels of bad cholesterol:

Whole grain cereals (oatmeal and bran)
Fruits (apples, prunes, pears, oranges)
Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids
High fiber foods (beans, legumes, apples )
Vegetables
Spices (oregano, mint, thyme, clove, cinnamon)
Soybeans
Green tea
Supplements that lower cholesterol (niacin, psyllium husk, L-carnitine)

Alcoholic beverages and smoking can raise bad cholesterol levels so these should be kept to a minimum if even at all. Obesity can also raise the cholesterol level.

It is recommended that you see your physician annually for a thorough examination and to have lab work performed to check your cholesterol level. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.