LDL reference ranges
- Optimal: under 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L)
- Near optimal: 100–129 mg/dL (2.6–3.3 mmol/L)
- Borderline high: 130–159 mg/dL (3.4–4.1 mmol/L)
- High: 160–189 mg/dL (4.1–4.9 mmol/L)
- Very high: 190 mg/dL (4.9 mmol/L) and above
Why your target may be lower
People at higher cardiovascular risk — for example after a heart attack, or with diabetes — are often given lower LDL goals (sometimes under 70 mg/dL / 1.8 mmol/L). Your clinician sets a target based on your whole risk picture, not a single cut-off.
LDL isn’t the only number
Look at LDL alongside your non-HDL cholesterol and your total-to-HDL ratio. Non-HDL captures all the harmful cholesterol and doesn’t need fasting, so many guidelines now emphasise it.
How to improve it
Cutting saturated fat, eating more soluble fibre, staying active and losing excess weight all lower LDL. When lifestyle isn’t enough — or risk is high — a statin or other medicine may be recommended.