Lipid Profile (Cholesterol): normal range & what your result means

Q: Do I need to fast for a lipid profile?

Many labs ask for a 9–12 hour fast, mainly for accurate triglycerides. Some newer guidelines allow non-fasting testing — follow your lab’s instruction.

Q: What is a healthy cholesterol level?

Generally total < 200, LDL < 100 and HDL above 40 (men)/50 (women) mg/dL — but your personal target depends on your overall heart-disease risk.

A lipid profile measures the fats in your blood — total, LDL ("bad"), HDL ("good") cholesterol and triglycerides — to estimate heart-disease risk.

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Typical adult reference range

Measure	Range
Total cholesterol	< 200 mg/dL (desirable)
LDL cholesterol	< 100 mg/dL (optimal)
HDL cholesterol	> 40 (men) / > 50 (women) mg/dL
Triglycerides	< 150 mg/dL

What a HIGH result can mean

High LDL and triglycerides raise the risk of heart attack and stroke
Targets are lower if you have diabetes or existing heart disease

What a LOW result can mean

Low HDL ("good" cholesterol) is unfavourable
Very low total cholesterol is uncommon and usually not a concern on its own

Ranges vary by lab. Reference ranges are TYPICAL ADULT values and vary by laboratory, age, sex, pregnancy and the method used. Always read your result against the range printed on YOUR report, and let your doctor interpret it alongside your history.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast for a lipid profile?

Many labs ask for a 9–12 hour fast, mainly for accurate triglycerides. Some newer guidelines allow non-fasting testing — follow your lab’s instruction.

What is a healthy cholesterol level?

Generally total < 200, LDL < 100 and HDL above 40 (men)/50 (women) mg/dL — but your personal target depends on your overall heart-disease risk.

Upload your report to MedDroid →

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MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.