Cholesterol is also present in certain foods, such as egg yolk, liver, and shellfish. However, there is usually more LDL than HDL cholesterol present in your blood. A total cholesterol level of 200 or less is considered good. A level between 200 and 239 is borderline high. A reading of 240 or more is high and indicates you have hypercholesterolemia.
Some families have an inherited tendency towards high blood cholesterol.
Hypercholesterolemia can also be caused by other diseases, such as diabetes or disorders of the liver or thyroid gland. High blood cholesterol does not cause any symptoms. High blood cholesterol is diagnosed by a blood test that is ordered by your health care provider, either at the time of a medical checkup or during an investigation of medical problems. Hypercholesterolemia may also be detected during a public cholesterol screening, often given at health fairs. If your blood test shows a high total cholesterol level, you should discuss it with your health care provider.