Lipid Panel Interpretation

Results from the lipid panel can be interpreted based on the most recent clinical guideline.

2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Executive Summary.

Total cholesterol (CHOL)
Ref range:<210
Optimal total cholesterol: ≤150 mg/dL
Hypercholesterolemia: 210-239 mg/dL
Significant hypercholesterolemia: ≥240 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol (LDLN)
Ref range:<160
Hypercholesterolemia: 160–189 mg/dL
Severe hypercholesterolemia: ≥190 mg/dL
Target for therapy in many patients: 70 mg/dL

HDL cholesterol (HDL)
Ref range: Male ≥40, Female≥50
Low concentrations are associated with the metabolic syndrome
Low in males: <40 mg/dL
Low in females: <50 mg/dL

Non-HDL cholesterol (NONHDL)
Ref range:<190
Hypercholesterolemia: 190–219 mg/dL
Severe hypercholesterolemia: ≥220 mg/dL
Target for therapy in many patients: 100 mg/dL

Triglycerides (TRIG)
Ref range <175
Hypertriglyceridemia (≥175 mg/dL)
Associated with the metabolic syndrome when elevated (>150 mg/dL)

Additional information

Other useful links for the interpretation of the lipid panel:

• https://www.framinghamheartstudy.org/fhs-risk-functions/cardiovascular-disease-10-year-risk/