Doctors recommend the following values for healthy total blood (or serum) cholesterol levels:
- Combined LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels in the blood – less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).
- LDL – less than 100 mg/dL
- HDL – greater than or equal to 60 mg/dL
- Triglycerides – less than 150 mg/dL
Determining hypocholesterolemia
Currently, medical experts have yet to arrive at a consensus on what level of cholesterol should be considered hypocholesterolemia. However, some studies suggest that the total serum cholesterol level should be lower than 120 mg/dL to be considered hypocholesterolemia. Others say that it should be lower than 160 mg/dL, citing findings of increased mortality rate as compared to those with higher cholesterol levels.
Other groups have suggested that lowering LDL or “bad cholesterol” levels to as low as 70 mg/dL or below may be safe and effective for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Health risks of hypocholesterolemia
Through the years, medical experts have looked into the correlation between hypocholesterolemia and other health conditions. However, it is unclear if low cholesterol levels itself causes the condition, or is a result of the condition.
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