How high cholesterol is considered dangerous?

Here's a breakdown of cholesterol levels and what's considered dangerous:

Total Cholesterol: This is the sum of all cholesterol in your blood.

HDL ("good") Cholesterol: This helps remove LDL from your blood, reducing heart disease risk.

Total Cholesterol: High: Above 240 mg/dL Borderline High: 200-239 mg/dL Desirable: Below 200 mg/dL

LDL Cholesterol: Very High: Above 190 mg/dL High: 160-189 mg/dL Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL Optimal: Below 100 mg/dL

High cholesterol alone may not be immediately dangerous, but it significantly increases the risk of heart disease.

It's crucial to consider all cholesterol levels together, not just the total. High LDL and low HDL are particularly concerning.

These are general guidelines. Consult your doctor for personalized interpretation of your cholesterol levels.