How to Interpret your Cholesterol Numbers?

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood in the United States and some other countries. Canada and most European countries measure cholesterol in millimoles (mmol) per liter (L) of blood. Consider these general guidelines when you get your lipid panel (cholesterol test) results back to see if your cholesterol falls in optimal levels. Total cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) Total cholesterol* (Canada and most of Europe) Below 200 mg/dL Below 5.2 mmol/L Desirable 200-239 mg/dL 5.2-6.2 mmol/L Borderline high 240 mg/dL and above Above 6.2 mmol/L High LDL cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) LDL cholesterol* (Canada and most of Europe) Below 70 mg/dL Below 1.8 mmol/L Optimal for people at very high risk of heart disease Below 100 mg/dL Below 2.6 mmol/L Optimal for people at risk...