para>Measurement used within the United States Milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL)
Measurement used most places outside the United States Millimoles/liter (mmol/Liter)
Level to aim for
Level to aim for
Total cholesterol
Below 200
Below 5.17
LDL cholesterol
Below 130 - or much lower if at risk of heart attack and stroke
Below 3.36 - or much lower if at risk of heart attack and stroke
HDL cholesterol
Above 60
Above 1.55
Triglycerides
Below 150
Below 1.7
Cholesterol is measured differently in the United States than it is in most other countries. This table shows values used within and outside the United States. It includes the cholesterol and triglyceride levels that most people who do not have heart disease should aim for.
Graphic 76734 Version 2.0
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