A normal total cholesterol level should be under 200 mg/dL. It's best to consider total cholesterol to be a good overview number, not the number that you use to decide whether or not you have an ideal cholesterol reading. In fact, total cholesterol levels can be misleading.For example, a person can have a normal total cholesterol level but have a low HDL level and high LDL level. Both low HDL levels and high LDL levels increase a person's risk for heart disease.n fact, total cholesterol levels can be misleading. For example, a person can have a normal total cholesterol level but have a low HDL level and high LDL level. Both low HDL levels and high LDL levels increase a person's risk for heart disease.