what are optimal cholesterol levels
HDL (Good Cholesterol) Guidelines. Optimal levels for HDL (good) cholesterol are considered 60 mg/dL and higher. Slightly less great but still good levels are between 50 and 59 mg/dL. Levels that cause concern are considered 39 mg/dL or lower for men, and 49 mg/dL or lower for women.
LDL (Bad Cholesterol) Guidelines. For people at high risk of heart disease, the optimal level is considered 69 mg/dL or lower. People at some risk, but not high risk, for heart disease should aim to have LDL (bad) cholesterol levels that are 99 mg/dL or lower.