Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers: A Guide to LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides

If you’ve ever looked at your lab results and felt lost, you’re not alone. Cholesterol isn’t just a single number — it’s a combination of values that each tell a different story about your heart health. At Michigan Avenue Primary Care in Chicago, we help patients understand their numbers, lower their risks, and make sense of what their bodies are telling them.

Cholesterol itself isn’t “bad,” but high cholesterol can be. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells and produce hormones. Problems arise when cholesterol levels move too far in the wrong direction, making it easier for plaque to build up in your arteries and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic cardiovascular issues.

What the main cholesterol numbers mean

A typical cholesterol panel includes three major components: LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Understanding each one gives you a clearer picture of your cardiovascular health.

LDL: the “bad” cholesterol

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often called “bad cholesterol” because high levels can cause plaque to build up in your arteries. When LDL sticks to your artery walls, it hardens and narrows the vessel — a process called atherosclerosis — making it harder for blood to flow freely.

Here’s what to keep in mind about LDL:

• Most adults should aim for an LDL below 100 mg/dL
• “Near-optimal” is in the 100-129 mg/dL range; 130-159 mg/dL is “borderline high”
• An LDL of 190 mg/dL or higher is considered “very high” 

Because LDL plays such a key role in cardiovascular disease risk, it’s usually the first number we work on lowering through diet changes, lifestyle support, and — when needed — medication.

HDL: the “good” cholesterol

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is known as “good cholesterol” because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream and carries it back to your liver for disposal. Think of HDL as the cleanup crew that helps fix the negative effects of LDL.

Higher HDL levels are the protection crew that helps lower your cardiovascular risk, maintain artery health, and improve cholesterol balance overall.

Key HDL values to know:

• For men, an HDL below 40 mg/dL is considered low
• For women, below 50 mg/dL is considered low
• An HDL in the 50-80 mg/dL range (or higher) is generally desirable

You can boost HDL with regular physical activity, heart-healthy foods, stress management, and avoiding tobacco exposure.

Triglycerides: the fat your body stores

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. When you eat more calories than your body uses, those extra calories are converted into triglycerides and stored for later. High levels of triglycerides can contribute to cardiovascular disease — especially when combined with low HDL or high LDL.

Here’s what to know:

• A desirable triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dL
• Levels between 150-199 mg/dL are “borderline high”
• Levels 200 mg/dL or above may be considered high, depending on other risk factors

Your provider may recommend dietary adjustments (reducing sugar and refined carbs), moderating alcohol intake, or medical management to help bring triglycerides back into a healthy range.

What’s a healthy goal for your numbers?

“Normal” cholesterol targets can vary from person to person depending on your age, medical history, family risk, and lifestyle. That’s why personalized care matters. During your visit with our team, we’ll look at your complete health picture — not just one number — to recommend realistic, effective goals for you.

How we help you take control of your cholesterol

At Michigan Avenue Primary Care, managing cholesterol is never a one-size-fits-all process — it’s personal. We tailor your care based on your numbers, your risk factors, and your daily habits. Your plan may include heart-healthy nutrition guidance, exercise recommendations, medication when appropriate, and ongoing monitoring to help you stay on track.

We also focus on prevention — catching small changes early so they don’t become bigger health challenges later.

Staying on top of your cholesterol is one of the best ways to protect your heart and overall well-being. If you’re due for a cholesterol check or want help interpreting your recent results, we’re here to guide you.

Call Michigan Avenue Primary Care in Chicago, Illinois, or book your appointment online to get started with a provider who can help you take charge of your numbers — and your health.