Lipids
Cholesterol Levels: What's Normal and What to Do About High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance your body needs, but too much of the wrong type raises the risk of heart disease over time. Your report may show total cholesterol along with LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
Normal Total Cholesterol range
What a high Total Cholesterol means
High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, which is why testing matters. It's driven by diet, activity, weight, genetics and other conditions, and it raises long-term risk of heart attack and stroke.
Common causes:
- Diet high in fried/processed food
- Low physical activity
- Being overweight
- Family history
- Smoking
- Diabetes or thyroid problems
What a low Total Cholesterol means
Very low cholesterol is uncommon and usually not a concern on its own.
Food & lifestyle that help
Favour
- Oats, whole grains and millets
- Dal, beans and legumes
- Vegetables and fruit
- Nuts in moderation
- Fish or plant proteins
Limit
- Fried food, ghee/butter in excess and vanaspati
- Red and processed meat
- Sweets, bakery items and refined carbs
- Sugary drinks
When to see a doctor
See a doctor to interpret your full lipid profile in the context of your blood pressure, sugar, weight and family history — and before starting any medication.
See what your whole report means
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Make my free plan →Frequently asked questions
What is a normal cholesterol level?
For most adults, total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL is desirable, with LDL under 100 mg/dL and HDL 40 mg/dL or higher.
Can diet alone lower cholesterol?
Diet and exercise can meaningfully lower cholesterol for many people. Some need medication depending on their level and overall heart risk — a doctor can advise.