Lipid Panel Interpretation

These interpretive comments for the lipid panel are based on the NCEP guidelines provided in the following document: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/atglance.pdf.

Total cholesterol interpretation

• Desirable (< 200 mg/dL)
• Borderline high (200-239)
• High (> 239)

Triglyceride interpretation

• Normal (<150 mg/dL)
• Borderline-high (150-199 mg/dL)
• High (200-499)
• Very high (>499 mg/dL)

HDL cholesterol interpretation

• High (>59 mg/dL)
• Acceptable (40-59 mg/dL)
• Low (<40 mg/dL)

Target LDL cholesterol by risk category

• CHD and CHD risk equivalents (<100 mg/dL)
• Multiple (2+) risk factors (<130 mg/dL)
• Zero to one risk factor (<160 mg/dL)

Target Non-HDL cholesterol by risk category

• CHD and CHD risk equivalents (<130 mg/dL)
• Multiple (2+) risk factors (<160 mg/dL)
• Zero to one risk factor (<190 mg/dL)

Additional information

Other useful links for the interpretation of the lipid panel:

• https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/guidelines/atp3xsum.pdf
• https://www.framinghamheartstudy.org/fhs-risk-functions/cardiovascular-disease-10-year-risk/
• http://www.cvriskcalculator.com/