What does HDL mg dL mean?
Isabella Ramos
Updated on March 01, 2026
Results. Optimal levels of HDL cholesterol are over 60 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). HDL levels that are below 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women indicate an increased risk of heart disease.
What is a bad level of HDL?
HDL cholesterol levels The number that you want to be higher is the number for HDL (remember, it’s the good cholesterol). HDL under 40 is considered poor and a risk factor for heart disease in men and women. HDL goal for men is 40 or higher and reaching this is considered to be good.
What is a healthy HDL ratio?
Most healthcare providers want the ratio to be below 5:1. A ratio below 3.5:1 is considered very good.
What is a normal LDL?
LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL. Levels of 100 to 129 mg/dL are acceptable for people with no health issues but may be of more concern for those with heart disease or heart disease risk factors. A reading of 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high and 160 to 189 mg/dL is high.
What’s a good LDL HDL ratio?
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.
What is a good cholesterol number?
Cholesterol chart for adults
| Total cholesterol | LDL cholesterol | |
|---|---|---|
| Good | Less than 200 (but the lower the better) | Less than 100; below 70 if coronary artery disease is present |
| Borderline to moderately elevated | 200–239 | 130–159 |
| High | 240 or higher | 160 or higher; 190 considered very high |
| Low | n/a | n/a |
What is a bad triglyceride level?
Normal — Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or less than 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) Borderline high — 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L) High — 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L)
What are normal HDL levels?
Less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal and up to 129 mg/dL is near optimal. Above that level is categorized as very high. HDL levels below 40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for women are thought to put you at a greater than average risk for heart disease.
What does a high HDL level mean?
Levels above 60 mg/dl are considered high. HDL levels are important in predicting risk of heart disease. A high level indicates a lower risk of disease. What Does HDL Do? HDL is often referred to as “good” cholesterol. The lipoproteins are transporters, carrying cholesterol through the bloodstream.
