Hi BB,

Here are the recommendations of the American Heart Association:

Total cholesterol less than 200
HDL cholesterol at least > 40, ideally > 60
LDL cholesterol at least less than 130, ideally less than 100
Triglycerides less than 150

It is your high HDL level that is causing your total cholesterol to be above the goal of 200. High HDL is typically considered a good thing. However, there are healthy and unhealthy forms of HDL cholesterol. The only way to know is to learn more about your HDL particle sizes via a comprehensive lipid panel. If your HDL particle sizes are healthy, then a total cholesterol greater than 200 is likely not a concern for you.

Can My HDL Be Too High?

All the best,

Lisa Nelson RD

How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps