The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) offers
cholesterol guidelines for men and women. High levels of LDL
and/or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”)
cholesterol, are major risk factors for heart attack and stroke,
two of the most common causes of death in the US. The good news
is that most people can control major heart disease risk
factors, including cholesterol levels, smoking, excessive
weight, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, and type 2
diabetes. Screening for lipid disorders like high cholesterol
depends on your age and whether you have any risk factors for
heart disease. In general, if you are a healthy adult aged 20 or
older, your doctor may recommend that you have a screening test
every five years. The test results for total cholesterol are: -
Less than 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)—desirable - 200-239 mg/dL
(5.2-6.1 mmol/L)—borderline high - Over 239 mg/dL (6.1
mmol/L)—high If your total cholesterol level is over 240 mg/dL
(6.2 mmol/L), you have a higher risk of heart d