by 
The Curious Bag
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You may be more familiar with the other name for low-density lipoprotein or LDL: "bad cholesterol." According to the American Heart Association (AHA), your LDL levels are a better gauge of your risk of heart disease than your total blood cholesterol levels.
Significance
LDL cholesterol is created from protein and fat which carries other fats, called lipids, to your body via your blood, according to Medline Plus.
High LDL
High LDL levels of 160 to 190 mg/dl and above can block the inner walls of your arteries. LDL forms plaque deposits that narrow your arteries and puts you at risk for stroke or heart disease.
Low LDL
Your LDL levels should be be less than 100 mg/dL to lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Other Levels
According to AHA, LDL levels between 130 to 159 mg/dL are considered borderline high. Levels 100 to 129 mg/dL are near optimal.
Considerations
If you have risk factors like high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease your target LDL levels should be less than 70 mg/dL, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Source:
American Heart Association: What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean
Medline Plus: What do LDL Levels Means?
Mayo Clinic: Cholesterol Levels:What Numbers Should You Aim for?
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