Where can you obtain a cholesterol chart?

Charts outlining general cholesterol guidelines can be found through the American Heart Association's website. A health care provider may also be able to provide patients with this material. Although these tables are a useful reference, it is important to always discuss results with a doctor.

Keeping cholesterol at a healthy level is important for preventing heart disease, heart attack and stroke, states the American Heart Association. Desirable cholesterol levels, which are usually measured in milligrams per deciliter, are a total cholesterol less than 200, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol less than 100, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol greater than 60 and triglyceride levels less than 150.