I am 24 years old and fairly active. i just got my cholesterol checked and it was a total of 226, with my hdl at 60 and my ldl at 150. am i at risk?

Abnormal!: Your cholesterol profile is abnormal. Get regular aerobic exercise and recheck in 3-6 months again. Drink more water. Restrict salt. Lose weight.

Yes you are: A recent study spanning 25years showed young adults with elevated non hdl cholesterol (apo b) which includes ldl as well as other particles vldl, idl, lpa is associated with increased calcium scoring in heart arteries by the time they were middle aged. AKA coronary plaque. So while you may be ok now. Your ldl is high enough to slowly build plaque that will put you at risk in future.

Check Thyroid: Have you been checked for Hypothyroidism as it raises Cholesterol. You need to have TSH,Free T4, Free T3 and Thyroid antibodies measured. Good idea to get Vitamin D levels checked. Also stop Birth control pills. Your HDL is excellent. DO NOT go on Statins.

Yes: Most of your cholesterol and the risk that runs with it is genetic. Much of the received wisdom about saturated fats as a risk is probably exaggerated, but I'd encourage you to stay physically fit as best you can. Your physician will advise you on medication based on other information about you. Best wishes.

Not necessarily but:: The cause of cardiovascular disease is NOT cholesterol but inflammation. If you have vascular inflammation then increased LDL could increase risk, esp. if you have high small dense LDL. Check LDL subtypes, cardiac CRP & homocysteine. See http://tinyurl.com/axtab4d and http://tinyurl.com/9x3n594 and http://tinyurl.com/43vtf67 and http://www.ravnskov.nu/2015/12/30/the-benefits-of-high-cholesterol/

Possibly: Cholesterol has gotten more complicated over recent years. You your risk is calculated based on multiple risk factors & the doc who rec having you thyroid checked was very wise. After that we need to know your family history, blood sugar, weight, blood pressure, LDL, smoking status, etc. A cholesterol particle size test could help. I wish this was a simple question but it is not anymore.