If it is not possible to get a lipoprotein profile done, knowing your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can give you a general idea about your cholesterol levels. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or more, or if your HDL is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to have a lipoprotein profile done.
HDL, good cholesterol protects against heart disease, so for HDL; higher numbers are better.
Less than 40 mg/dL is low. HDL levels of 60 mg/dL or more help to lower your risk of heart disease. Triglycerides can also raise heart disease risk. Levels that are borderline high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL or more) may need treatment.
Less than 200 mg/dL Desirable. 200-239 mg/dL Borderline high 240 mg/dL and above 240 is High
Less than 100 mg/dL Optimal
100-129 mg/dL Near optimal/above optimal
130-159 mg/dL Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL High
190 mg/dL and above Very high.
Hyperlipidemia is defined as abnormally high blood fat levels.
Note that high blood pressure is over 140/90 mm Hg.