My cholesterol level is 236 I am a 64 year old woman. How serious is that?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. Thank you for your question.

You may want to speak with your primary care physician about how this level relates to your health. In the meantime, here is general information.

Total blood cholesterol levels

less than 200 mg/dL Desirable
200 to 239 mg/dL Borderline high
240 mg/dL or above High

LDL blood cholesterol levels
less than 70 mg/dL Optional goal for high-risk patients
less than 100 mg/dL Optimal
100 to 129 mg/dL Near optimal/above optimal
130 to 159 mg/dL Borderline high
160 to 189 mg/dL High
190 mg/dL and above Very High

HDL blood cholesterol levels
above 60 mg/dL. Levels above 60 mg/dL are considered especially beneficial and can offset risk factors for heart disease, according to NHLBI. The higher the level, the healthier it is. Optimal
50 to 60 mg/dL for women; 40 to 50 mg/dL for men Average
less than 50 mg/dL for women; less than 40 mg/dL for men. Below these levels is considered a major risk factor for heart disease.
50 to 60 mg/dL for women; 40 to 50 mg/dL for men Average
less than 50 mg/dL for women; less than 40 mg/dL for men. Below these levels is considered a major risk factor for heart disease.

Triglyceride levels
less than 150 mg/dL Normal
150 to 199 mg/dL Borderline High
200 to 499 mg/dL High
500 mg/dL or higher Very high

Regards,
Maryann