High Cholesterol in the Philippines: Normal Levels (mmol/L & mg/dL), Foods & Treatment

A lipid profile is one of the most common tests in annual and pre-employment check-ups in the Philippines. High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, so many people only find out from their lab results. This guide explains what the numbers mean so you can have a better conversation with your doctor. It does not replace a doctor's assessment: the right target for you depends on your overall health and risk.

mmol/L or mg/dL? How to Read Your Result

Laboratories in the Philippines may report cholesterol in mmol/L, mg/dL, or both. Many charts online use mg/dL only, which can be confusing. To convert:

• Total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL: mmol/L × 38.67 = mg/dL
• Triglycerides: mmol/L × 88.57 = mg/dL

For example, an LDL of 3.4 mmol/L is about 131 mg/dL. Always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own lab report, since ranges can differ slightly between laboratories.

Commonly Used Reference Ranges for Adults

The ranges below are widely used general categories. Your doctor may set a different, often lower, target for you, especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, or other risk factors.

• Total cholesterol: below 200 mg/dL (about 5.2 mmol/L) is generally considered desirable.
• LDL ("bad" cholesterol): below 100 mg/dL (about 2.6 mmol/L) is generally considered optimal. 160 mg/dL (about 4.1 mmol/L) or higher is considered high, and 190 mg/dL (about 4.9 mmol/L) or higher is very high.
• HDL ("good" cholesterol): below 40 mg/dL (about 1.0 mmol/L) in men or below 50 mg/dL (about 1.3 mmol/L) in women is considered low. Higher is generally better.
• Triglycerides: below 150 mg/dL (about 1.7 mmol/L) is considered normal. 500 mg/dL (about 5.6 mmol/L) or higher is very high.

For more on other common tests, see our guide to understanding lab results.

Why High Cholesterol Matters

Over many years, too much LDL cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries. This narrows them and raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. The risk is higher when high cholesterol comes together with high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excess weight, or a family history of early heart disease. That is why doctors look at your whole risk profile, not just one number.

Preparing for a Lipid Profile

Some laboratories ask you to fast, often for about 9 to 12 hours, especially when triglycerides are measured. Others accept non-fasting samples. Follow the instructions from your doctor or laboratory, and mention any medicines or supplements you take.

Everyday Food Swaps

Diet changes can help, although results differ from person to person. Some practical ideas for Filipino meals:

• Choose cooking methods like steaming, boiling, grilling, or sinabawan dishes more often than deep-frying.
• Cut down on fatty cuts and processed meats such as lechon, chicharon, crispy pata, longganisa, tocino, hotdogs, and canned meats.
• Eat more fish, such as bangus, galunggong, tilapia, tuna, or sardines, preferably not fried.
• Add more vegetables and fiber: malunggay, kangkong, ampalaya, sitaw, monggo, oats, and fruits.
• Watch sugary drinks, sweets, white rice portions, and alcohol, which can raise triglycerides.
• Limit coconut cream-heavy dishes and food cooked in a lot of oil or lard.

Regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and reaching a healthier weight can also improve cholesterol levels. If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

When Is Medicine Needed?

Whether you need medicine depends on your cholesterol levels, your age, and your overall risk of heart disease and stroke, so this is a decision to make with your doctor. Cholesterol-lowering medicines, such as statins, are commonly prescribed. Some general points:

• Take medicines only as prescribed, and do not start, stop, or change them on your own.
• Tell your doctor about muscle pain, weakness, or any new symptoms after starting a medicine.
• Your doctor may repeat your lipid profile and other tests to check how well treatment is working.
• Medicine works best together with healthy habits, not instead of them.

Very High Cholesterol at a Young Age

Very high LDL in a young person, or several relatives with high cholesterol or early heart attacks, can point to an inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolemia. If this sounds like your family, mention it to your doctor, because relatives may also need to be checked.

Which Doctor Should You See?

A family medicine doctor or internist can review your lipid profile and overall risk. A cardiologist may be recommended if you have heart disease, chest symptoms, or very high levels, and an endocrinologist if you also have diabetes or thyroid problems. See also signs you should see a cardiologist.

Find an internist, find a cardiologist, or find an endocrinologist near you on MyDoktor.ph.