My cholesterol had always been in the 170-180 range, until my 50s when the LDL started rising. HDL/LDL ratio is still good, but my total was in the 240-250 range a couple times. I've stayed active and kept my weight down, so no big changes there to blame.
Now this is somewhat anecdotal, but I started taking ginger supplements, 2-3 g per day, and since then the number has been around 220 the past three times (I've been monitoring it a couple times a year at one of those AnyLabTest places, in addition to a yearly physical). My doctor feels that my total risk for cardio problems is low, and is fine with that slightly elevated number. Haven't noticed any side effects from the ginger, no heartburn or anything, so I'll be keeping on with that.