Your LDL (Bad) cholesterol levels:

The lower your LDL, cholesterol, the lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact, it's a better gauge of risk than total blood cholesterol. In general, LDL levels fall into these categories:

LDL Cholesterol Levels

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