What is a normal LDL cholesterol level?
The short answer
A typical US lab calls LDL cholesterol normal up to 130 mg/dL. That range exists to catch disease, not to describe your best.
Nobody on the record puts a target on LDL cholesterol. The quote below says why.
“I don't pay attention to LDL cholesterol.”
What LDL cholesterol measures
The cholesterol carried on LDL particles.
It is the number most reports lead with. Two people with the same LDL cholesterol can carry different numbers of particles. The particle count has its own test, ApoB.
Checked against MedlinePlus — Cholesterol Levels.
Common questions
What is a normal LDL cholesterol level?
Most US labs print 0–130 mg/dL. Your report grades you against that range. It exists to catch disease, not to describe your best.
What does your LDL cholesterol number mean?
On a typical lab range, up to 130 mg/dL is normal and over 130 is high. Your own report prints its range next to your number, and that is the one your lab uses. Nobody we follow has drawn a line inside that range.
What does the LDL cholesterol test measure?
The cholesterol carried on LDL particles. It is the number most reports lead with. Two people with the same LDL cholesterol can carry different numbers of particles. The particle count has its own test, ApoB.
Why is there no target here?
Because of this quote on video: “I don't pay attention to LDL cholesterol.” (Dr. Peter Attia, 6:12)