What Is a Normal Lipid Panel Level?

Normal ranges: Total Cholesterol <200 mg/dL (desirable); LDL Cholesterol <100 mg/dL (optimal); HDL Cholesterol M: >40 / F: >50 mg/dL; Triglycerides <150 mg/dL. Values outside these ranges may point to a condition that needs further evaluation.

Reference Range Table

MarkerLowNormalHigh
Total CholesterolBelow 150 mg/dL — unusually low<200 mg/dL (desirable)200-239 borderline; ≥240 high
LDL CholesterolN/A<100 mg/dL (optimal)130-159 borderline; ≥160 high
HDL CholesterolM: <40 / F: <50 mg/dL — increased CV riskM: >40 / F: >50 mg/dL>60 mg/dL — cardioprotective
TriglyceridesN/A<150 mg/dL150-199 borderline; ≥200 high

What Affects Your Results

Fasting status (triglycerides are most affected), recent meals (especially high-fat), alcohol, exercise, medications (statins), weight changes, and thyroid function.

When to Retest

Every 5 years for healthy adults. Annually if you have risk factors, are on statins, or have a family history of heart disease.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Abnormal Results Mean?