Total Cholesterol: 194 mg/dL

What does a total cholesterol level of 194 mean?

A total cholesterol level of 194 mg/dL is considered optimal. Optimal total cholesterol is associated with better health and a lower risk of heart disease.

Your total cholesterol is calculated by adding your LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and 20% of triglyceride levels. 

• LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it accumulates in your blood vessels and increases your risk for heart disease. Ideally, LDL levels should be less than 100 mg/dL, but lower is better. 

• HDL is considered “good” cholesterol because it protects against heart disease by scavenging cholesterol and returning it to the liver for excretion. The ideal HDL level is >60 mg/dL, though >40 mg/dL for men and >50 mg/dL for women are still considered good.

• Triglycerides are another type of fat that can build up in the bloodstream and increase your risk of heart disease. Ideally, triglycerides should be <150 mg/dL.  

How to maintain optimal total cholesterol levels

Maintaining an optimal total cholesterol level (<200 mg/dL) is good for your overall health and can lower your risk of developing heart disease in the future. 

Cholesterol levels tend to increase as you get older, but you can minimize this increase by putting heart-healthy habits into place now. 

Here are some things you can do to help keep your levels in the optimal range:  

• Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods like veggies, fruit, whole grains, and legumes, aiming to get 30-40g of fiber each day. 

• Limit refined carbs and added sugars in your diet, like soda, chips, candy, baked goods, sweetened yogurt, and ice cream.

• Reduce your intake of saturated fats to < 10% total calories and avoid trans fats altogether.

• Eat small, fatty fish at least twice a week. Salmon, sardines, and trout are all great choices.

• Be physically active. Aim to get 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise 5x/week.

• Incorporate plant sterols and stanols daily (2g) in the form of food or a supplement. 

• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.

• Quit smoking if you currently smoke.

• If you have diabetes, achieve and maintain good blood sugar control (HbA1c).