Final answer:
The normal range for total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL, with LDL levels ideally below 100 mg/dL and HDL levels at least 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal range for total cholesterol (TC) is generally considered to be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A full lipid profile can give more detailed information; it's ideal to have an LDL cholesterol (considered the 'bad' cholesterol) level of less than 100 mg/dL and an HDL cholesterol (the 'good' cholesterol) level of at least 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women, with higher being better. An LDL level of less than 100 mg/dL is considered ideal, while an LDL level above 160 mg/dL is considered high. For HDL, a value of at least 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women is considered good, and higher values are better. Dietary and lifestyle factors can influence these numbers, and interventions such as dietary modifications to reduce saturated and trans fat intake, and increased physical activity can help improve them.