26 Hypercholesterolemia Classification Total 200 mg/dL Desirable level lower risk for heart disease 200–239 mg/dL Borderline high cholesterol ≥ 240 mg/dL High blood cholesterol more than twice the risk for heart disease LDL 100 mg/dL Optimal 100–129 mg/dL Above optimal 130–159 mg/dL Borderline high LDL cholesterol ≥160–190 mg/dL High LDL cholesterol ≥191 mg/dL Very high HDL 40 mg/dL Low a major risk factor for heart disease 40–59 mg/dL Moderate 60 mg/dL High the higher the HDL, the better. Protective against heart disease Triglycerides 150 mg/dL Normal 150–199 mg/dL Borderline high 200–499 mg/dL High 500 mg/dL Very high Heart-Healthy Diet Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) Nutrient Step 1 Step 2 Total fat 25–35% of total calories 30% of total calories Saturated 8–10% of total calories 7% of total calories Polyunsaturated 10% of total calories 10% of total calories Monounsaturated 20% of total calories Up to 20% of total calories Trans fat Safe level not established Sodium 2400 mg/day 2400 mg/day Cholesterol* 300 mg/day 200 mg/day Plant stanols/sterols 2 grams per day 2 grams per day Soluble fiber 10–25 grams per day 10–25 grams per day *Some groups recommend lower cholesterol intake, especially in those populations with, or at risk for, insulin resistance.