Heather
Your total cholesterol should probably be below 200. Your cholesterol though is a combination of HDL (high density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein). The HDL is generally regarded as "healthy" and the LDL as "lousy" or BAD. Another number to look at is the ratio of the two. The triglycerides can be lowered fairly easily and fast with exercise and exercise can improve your HDL too. You'll want to talk to the doctor about diet and exercise and possibly medication. You might want to ask about Niacin too. Niacin is cheap and works really well for some people. It has some pretty significant side effects though. It can cause severe itching and flushing. Ask your doctor about it.