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LDL cholesterol is often called “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in arteries. Over time, this can narrow the arteries and increase the risk for heart attack and . 

There isn’t one average or “normal” LDL level that works for everyone. Lower is generally better. Your LDL goal depends on factors such as your age, overall health, family history, diabetes and your history of heart attack or stroke. Your goal may be below 100 mg/dL, 70 mg/dL or even 55 mg/dL if you’re at very high risk for a heart attack or stroke. Your health care professional can help you find the goal that’s right for you.

High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. Your health care professional will order a blood test called a lipid panel to check your cholesterol levels. This may be a “fasting” or “non-fasting” test. It checks for many types of fat in the blood. The lipid panel results should include:

• LDL “bad” cholesterol
• HDL “good” cholesterol
• Triglycerides (most common type of fat)
• Total cholesterol

• Family history of high cholesterol, including genetic conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition in which people are born with very high LDL cholesterol levels.
• Unhealthy eating habits
• Not being physically active
• Being overweight
• Tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke     

Healthy habits such as eating well and staying active can help lower your LDL cholesterol and boost your heart health. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, cholesterol-lowering medications may be needed. That’s great to know because you have many effective options. You and your health care professional can work together to find the treatment plan that works best for you.

You may be at higher risk for a heart attack or stroke if you have some health conditions along with high cholesterol. These conditions include Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, HIV infection, a history of cancer or a current cancer diagnosis. Lowering your cholesterol can help reduce your risk of serious heart problems.