HOW HIGH IS TOO HIGH?

When speaking about cholesterol levels, we generally mean the total cholesterol level. The recommendation for the general public is to have a total cholesterol level below 4.0 mmol/L. Lower levels are recommended to help maintain heart health.


For people at higher risk of heart problems the Heart Foundation recommends a cholesterol level of less than 3.5mmol/L.

Recommended total cholesterol < 5.5 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australia's health 2006.

A more accurate risk assessment can be done if - in addition to the total cholesterol level - the different lipid groups are measured in the blood: the 'good' HDL cholesterol, the 'bad' LDL cholesterol and the triglycerides. Triglycerides don't contain cholesterol, but they may also be a risk to heart health if elevated.

Target values of the National Heart Foundation: LDL-C <2.5 mmol/L* HDL-C <1.0 mmol/L Triglycerides <1.5 mmol/L *LDL cholesterol target for the general public, <2.0 mmol/L for population being at higher risk.

If you have any concerns about your cholesterol level or any aspect of your heart health, your general practitioner, practice nurse, dietitian or pharmacist should always be your first point of contact.

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