Optimal cholesterol levels are as follows  

• LDL cholesterol should be < 100mg/dl (ideally should not be more than 70mg/dl)
• HDL cholesterol should be > 45/dl (ideally should be > 50 for women and > 45 for men)
• Triglyceride levels should be < 150 mg/dl(ideally should not be more than 100mg/dl)

In what situations is it recommended that cholesterol levels be even lower than normal levels?

• If you already have heart disease, the doctor may advise you to further lower cholesterol levels.
• If anybody in your family has or has had heart disease/angina/heart attack, then again, the doctor will advise you to lower cholesterol, even further.
• If you have diabetes, or blood glucose on the higher side, then again, the doctor will advise you to lower cholesterol even further.
• If any close blood relative has or has had diabetes, then again the doctor will ask you to lower cholesterol even further.
• If you have high blood pressure, then again the doctor will ask you to lower cholesterol even further.
• If any close blood relative has high blood pressure then again the doctor will advise you to lower cholesterol even further.
• If you smoke, then cholesterol can become even more dangerous for your blood vessels.
• Even in normal people and children, it is advisable to keep cholesterol within limits. When the cholesterol is high, deposition (accumulation) of cholesterol in the arteries can start in early childhood. Prevention thus has to ideally start in early childhood. Therefore, to lead a healthy life the entire family must adapt to a healthy diet. Let us work together for a healthy heart and an active life.