Estimate your LDL cholesterol using the Friedewald equation from total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides.
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is often called 'bad' cholesterol because it can build up in artery walls. The Friedewald equation estimates LDL from other lipid panel values: LDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL - (Triglycerides/5).
Below 100 mg/dL is near optimal. Below 70 mg/dL is optimal, especially for those with heart disease risk. Above 160 mg/dL is considered high.