What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean Your test report will show your cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). To determine how your cholesterol levels affect your risk of heart disease, your doctor will also take into account other risk factors such as age, family history, smoking and high blood pressure. A complete fasting lipoprotein profile will show: Your total blood (or serum) cholesterol level Your HDL (good) cholesterol level Your LDL (bad) cholesterol level Your triglyceride level Your Total Blood (or Serum) Cholesterol Level Less than 200 mg/dL: Desirable If your LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels are also at desirable levels and you have no other risk factors for heart disease, total blood cholesterol below 200 mg/dL puts you at relatively low risk of coronary heart disease. Even with a low risk, however, it’s still smart to eat a heart-healthy diet , get regular physical activity and avoid tobacco smoke . Have your cholesterol levels chec...