A total cholesterol level less than 200 milligrams per deciliter is desirable, according to MedlinePlus. Age, gender, physical activity level and diet all affect the amount of cholesterol in the blood.Continue Reading
Cholesterol is a cell-bound substance that circulates in the bloodstream, explains the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Low-density and high-density lipoproteins transport cholesterol through the circulatory system. Low-density lipoproteins contribute to the build-up of cholesterol on artery walls, while high-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol to the liver so it can be eliminated from the body.
An HDL level above 60 milligrams per deciliter seems to protect against heart disease, states MedlinePlus. An LDL level of less than 100 milligrams per deciliter is optimal.Learn more about Medical Ranges & Levels