A lipid panel measures the fats in your blood: LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Together they help your doctor estimate your risk of heart disease and stroke — the leading cause of death in the United States.
Heart disease risk depends on more than one number. The American Heart Association and ACC use the full picture — plus your age, blood pressure, and smoking status — to estimate your 10-year risk.
Lipid Panel reference ranges (US standard)
These ranges are aligned with Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp. Your own report prints the exact range your lab used — always defer to that range, since methods differ slightly between labs.
| Parameter | Normal Range | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | Under 200 mg/dL desirable | All cholesterol combined |
| LDL ('bad') | Under 100 mg/dL optimal | Drives plaque buildup |
| HDL ('good') | 40+ men · 50+ women mg/dL | Protective cholesterol |
| Triglycerides | Under 150 mg/dL normal | Blood fat from diet & sugar |
| Non-HDL Cholesterol | Under 130 mg/dL | Total minus HDL |
| Cholesterol/HDL Ratio | Under 5.0 (ideal <3.5) | Combined risk indicator |
What your cholesterol numbers mean
LDL cholesterol
LDL is the number doctors focus on most because it directly contributes to plaque in your arteries. Under 100 mg/dL is optimal; 130–159 is borderline high; 160+ is high. Your personal target depends on your overall cardiovascular risk — someone who has had a heart attack may aim for under 70 mg/dL.
HDL cholesterol
Higher HDL is protective. Above 60 mg/dL is considered protective against heart disease, while below 40 (men) or 50 (women) is a risk factor. Exercise and healthy fats can raise it.
Triglycerides
High triglycerides are strongly tied to refined carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, and excess weight — all common in the US diet. Under 150 mg/dL is normal; 150–199 borderline; 200+ high. Levels above 500 raise the risk of pancreatitis.