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The American Heart Association endorses these National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines:
Total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL and HDL 40 mg/dL or higher
Unless you have other risk factors for heart disease, your chance of a heart attack is relatively low.
Unless you have other risk factors for heart disease, your chance of a heart attack is relatively low.
· Eat a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet and stay physically active to help maintain a desirable cholesterol level.
· Have your cholesterol levels rechecked within five years or at your next physical exam.
Total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL and HDL less than 40 mg/dL
· Have your LDL ("bad") cholesterol level checked. Your doctor will interpret these numbers for you and tell you when to have your cholesterol levels rechecked.
· Work with your doctor to control any other risk factors you have.
· Take steps to modify your diet and increase your physical activity to reduce your risk.
Total cholesterol 200 to 239, HDL 40 mg/dL or higher and FEWER than 2 risk factors
· You may have twice the risk of coronary heart disease as people whose levels are less than 200 mg/dL.
· Work with your doctor to control any other risk factors you have.
· Have your cholesterol levels rechecked in 1-2 years.
· Take steps to modify your diet and increase your physical activity to reduce your risk.
· Not every person whose cholesterol level is in the 200 to 239 range is at increased risk. Talk with your healthcare professional to understand your risks.
Total cholesterol 200 to 239, HDL less than 40 mg/dL or 2 or MORE risk factors
· You may have twice the risk of coronary heart disease as people whose levels are less than 200 mg/dL.
· Have your LDL ("bad") cholesterol level checked. Your doctor will interpret these numbers for you and tell you when to have your cholesterol levels rechecked.
· Work with your doctor to control any other risk factors you have.
· Take steps to modify your diet and increase your physical activity to reduce your risk.
Cholesterol 240 and above
· Your risk of coronary heart disease is high. It's even higher if you have other risk factors for heart disease.
· Have your LDL ("bad") cholesterol level checked. Your doctor will interpret these numbers for you and tell you when to have your cholesterol levels rechecked.
· Have your doctor test you for other risk factors. Ask for advice on how to help reduce your risk.
