What Is a Good Cholesterol Level for Women?
A total blood cholesterol level that is below 200 mg/dL is considered to be optimal for both women and men, as presented in a guideline at the National Institutes of Health’s MedlinePlus. A lipoprotein panel is a type of blood test used in measuring total cholesterol levels in the body.
There are two types of cholesterol in the blood: high-density lipoprotein, or HDL and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. HDL is commonly referred to as good cholesterol, while LDL is known as bad cholesterol. Women aged 55 or older are likely to have higher levels of LDL.
An HDL level above 60 mg/dL is considered to be desirable in both sexes. HDL levels that range from 50 to 60 mg/dL is normal for women, according to HealthyWomen. However, HDL levels below this range increases the likelihood for cardiac disease. LDL levels below 100 mg/dL is optimal for both men and women.
