The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) issued this data about adult guidelines for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff), and HDL cholesterol (the good stuff). These cholesterol numbers apply to people ages 20 to 74:
| Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) | Status |
|---|---|
| <200 | Excellent |
| 200-239 | Borderline high |
| >240 | High |
| LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) | Status |
| <100 | Excellent |
| 100-129 | Pretty good |
| 130-159 | Borderline high |
| 160-189 | High |
| >190 | Very high |
| HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) | Status |
| <40 | Low |
| >60 | High |
Source: National Cholesterol Education Program
Counting Kids' Cholesterol
Counting cholesterol in kids is different than in adults. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests only testing children older than age 2 and who have a family history of coronary artery disease — a parent or a grandparent with high cholesterol or a history of heart disease. The AHA-recommended cholesterol levels for children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 19 are:
| Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) | LDLs (mg/dL) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| <170 | <110 | Acceptable |
| 171-199 | 111-129 | Borderline |
| 200 or higher | 130 or higher | High |
Source: The American Heart Association