I am 26 years old. My mother at age 54 had a quad bi-pass and was diagnosed with heart disease 1 year later at the age of 55. Nothing could be done for her heart disease except medication because it is the small arteries that are closing up (not large ones that could be opened by surgery). She is also diabetic, and heart disease runs in our family (I have not know any of my grandparents due to early deaths). Recently I have read the American Heart Association has gotten more aggresive with their cholesterol levels guidelines. The new levels are bad cholesterol less than 100, and total less than 200. My cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels have always been good (I am not diabetic but I get tested every couple of years). I looked back at my last cholesterol test in 1999 and the bad cholestrol was 111 (which at the time was within guidlines, but now is not). Should I be concerned with this? My total Cholesterol is less than 200, so that is within the guidlines. I rarely eat red meat, and cook with pam fat-free sprays (never use oil). I dine out at most once a week, and try to eat healthy then too. I am 30lb overweight, but have been dieting and lose about 1 lb a week. Everyone in my immediate family (mother, brother, father) has high blood pressure as well and is on medication for it, except me. I exercise 2-3 times a week at the gym. I have no heart problems now, but because of my family history I am concerned over my cholesterol level now being considered high at 111 (bad cholesterol). What is your opinion? Should I be concerned?