Cholesterol levels by age: Health ranges, what is high, and tips

With age, the cholesterol levels usually increase. If you take proper steps or maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can maintain a normal cholesterol level. Unmanaged cholesterol levels for so many years may be challenging to treat.

Cholesterol is a lipid that helps the body perform many vital functions. An excessive amount of cholesterol in the blood is harmful. It may enter your artery wall, and damage its integrity, which may lead to atherosclerotic plaque forming.

What is the role of cholesterol in your health?

Cholesterol travels silently through the blood and turns into plaque. You may not notice the plaque buildup, but it has a deep impact, causing issues for heart disease like a heart attack or stroke. The process of plaque buildup is known as atherosclerosis, which may lead to several serious problems. Coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, and peripheral artery disease are some severe issues that happen due to abnormal cholesterol levels.

Health experts suggest that people over 20 must check their cholesterol levels at least once every 4 to 6 years or more frequently. It is even more important if you have any cardiovascular disease. Children should have at least one cholesterol test at the age of 9 to 11 and another at the age of 17 to 21.

Children with high cholesterol risk factors may require more frequent checks. Usually, males have higher cholesterol levels than females. A man's cholesterol level increases with age. In women, the cholesterol level increases after menopause.

You must check your cholesterol levels routinely, as it shows how much cholesterol is circulating in your blood. Your good cholesterol, or HDL, should be high, approximately above 60. The bad cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol, normal range should be below 100. Your total cholesterol level should be below 200. Measuring cholesterol levels is important, as it helps to know your risk of heart disease.

Cholesterol levels for adults

According to the American Heart Association, adult people should check their cholesterol levels every 4 to 6 years from 20 years of age. This is the prime time when cholesterol levels start to rise. Hence, it is mandatory for both males and females. Doctors classify a person's levels as low, high, borderline, and healthy.

Your LDL cholesterol levels should be below 100 mg dl. For people with no health issues, doctors may not express concern about LDL cholesterol levels of 100-129 mg dl. But for people with heart disease or other risk factors, this cholesterol level is a matter of concern. The ideal HDL cholesterol levels should be above 60 mg/dl. For males above 40 mg dl and females above 50 mg dl is sufficient.

What are LDL and HDL?

LDL is mainly a type of lipoprotein, which is known as low-density lipoprotein as well. LDL, or bad cholesterol, collects in the walls of your blood vessels and increases the chances of health problems like heart disease and stroke.

The normal LDL cholesterol level in your body should be less than 100 mg dl or milligrams per deciliter. Blood cholesterol levels of 130 to 159 md/dl are considered borderline high cholesterol. If your LDL cholesterol level is 160 to 189 mg dl or milligrams per deciliter, it will be high.

If your LDL cholesterol level is above 190 mg/dl, you may consult your doctor. Too much LDL cholesterol can affect your heart, lungs, and blood. In some cases, there may be a family history of heart disease that may cause abnormal blood cholesterol levels. To get your cholesterol levels under control, consult an experienced physician and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

HDL, on the other hand, stands for high-density lipoprotein. It is known as good cholesterol as it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to the liver. Then the liver removes the cholesterol from your body. Your HDL level should be 60 mg dl or milligrams per deciliter.

If your HDL cholesterol level is less than this, consult your physician. It may happen due to a history of heart disease for a long period. We recommend checking your cholesterol levels to prevent the possibility of severe heart issues. Also, to get your cholesterol levels under control, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What can affect my LDL level?

Several things can affect your LDL cholesterol level. You must maintain a controlled diet and physical activity to control your cholesterol levels. Some other factors, such as genetics, and age, you can't control that also influence the cholesterol levels. Factors that may raise your LDL cholesterol levels are;

  • Cholesterol levels tend to get higher with growing age. It happens because the body has a harder time clearing out the cholesterol as you age.
  • If someone in your family has a history of high cholesterol, you may face high cholesterol levels in your body.
  • Women mainly face high cholesterol levels due to menopause.

  • Health conditions such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and familial hypercholesterolemia can cause high LDL.

  • Fatty foods, full-fat dairy, fast foods, processed meats, and some sweets are responsible for high levels of cholesterol.
  • Certain drugs, some medications can cause high LDL as a side effect.
  • Lack of physical activity may cause a rise in total cholesterol levels.
  • Smoking and other tobacco products lower the amount of HDL in the blood and raise the LDL or the bad cholesterol level.
  • Being overweight can be a significant reason for high LDL.

    The Takeaway

    Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that is created by the liver. This substance is vital for bodily functions. However, high cholesterol levels in your blood may increase the risk of developing certain health conditions.

    People of 19 years of age, or younger should aim to have a total cholesterol of 170 mg/dl or a bit less than this. In adults, the total cholesterol level should be 200 mg/dl. If your LDL cholesterol or HDL cholesterol level is high, we suggest you contact a healthcare professional fast. They can effectively help you develop a treatment plan that will be beneficial for you.

    FAQs

    What is a healthy LDL level by age?

    For most adults, the healthy LDL cholesterol level is less than 100 mg/dl. However, this amount of cholesterol level depends on various factors like gender, menopause, inactivity, overweight, genetics, etc.

    What level of LDL cholesterol is bad?

    If your LDL cholesterol level reaches 130-159 mg/dl, it is considered bad. You may need to consult your physician immediately to get better advice.

    What if LDL cholesterol is high?

    High levels of LDL cholesterol enhance the risk of heart disease and stroke. LDL cholesterol builds up plaque in your arteries that harden and narrow the arteries.

    What is a normal HDL LDL level?

    The normal LDL cholesterol level should be less than 100 mg/dl, and the HDL cholesterol should be more than 60 mg/dl.

    Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).