What is the average cholesterol level for men?

The average level of total cholesterol in the blood for men aged 25 to 74 years is approximately 200 milligrams per deciliter, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The average level for U.S. adults is the same, reports the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Around 13 percent of U.S. adults are considered to have high cholesterol. Total cholesterol levels less than 200 milligrams per deciliter are desirable, declares MedlinePlus. Cholesterol levels are represented in terms of high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol. An LDL level lower than 100 milligrams per deciliter is considered optimal, whereas 160 milligrams per deciliter and above is considered high. In contrast, an HDL level above 60 milligrams per deciliter is ideal and thought to protect against heart disease.