Normal Cholesterol Levels by Age
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that plays many roles in the body, including synthesizing hormones and vitamin D. It also assists in the transporting of lipids. Cholesterol is found in the foods you eat, but it is also made by the liver.
We need some cholesterol to build healthy cells, but an accumulation of the bad kind can be problematic, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. The recommended ranges for your cholesterol will depend on your age. Find out what cholesterol levels are, why age is a factor, and how to keep your levels within a healthy range.
What Are Cholesterol Levels?
Cholesterol circulating in the blood is carried by special particles called lipoproteins. The two major cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL):
- LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because too much of it can build up in your arteries and form plaques, which increases the risk of heart disease (atherosclerosis).
- HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) is often referred to as “good” cholesterol as it carries cholesterol to the liver to be broken down and excreted.
Since your total cholesterol is a combination of your LDL cholesterol and your HDL cholesterol, ideally you want to keep your LDL levels low and your HDL levels high. There are many factors that can influence your cholesterol, including, diet, exercise, weight, genetics, and other health conditions.
Healthy Cholesterol Levels by Age
The following table was adapted from the Cleveland Clinic (“mg/dL” means “milligrams per deciliter):3
| Cholesterol Levels by Age: Normal, Borderline, and High | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age/Sex | Classification | Total Cholesterol | LDL | HDL |
| Males 19 and younger | Normal | Less than 170 mg/dL | Less than 110 mg/dL | More than 45 mg/dL (optimal) |
| Borderline | 170–199 mg/dL | 110–129 mg/dL | ||
| High | Greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL | Greater than or equal to 130 mg/dL | ||
| Males 20 and older | Normal | 125–200 mg/dL | Less than 100 mg/dL | More than 40 mg/dL (optimal) |
| Borderline | 200–239 mg/dL | 130-159 mg/dL | ||
| High | Greater than or equal to 239 mg/dL | 160–189 mg/dL | ||
| Females 19 and younger | Normal | Less than 170 mg/dL | Less than 110 mg/dL | More than 45 mg/dL (optimal) |
| Borderline | 170–199 mg/dL | 110–129 mg/dL | ||
| High | Greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL | Greater than or equal to 130 mg/dL | ||
| Females 20 and older | Normal | 125–200 mg/dL | Less than 100 mg/dL | More than 50 mg/dL (optimal) |
| Borderline | 200–239 mg/dL | 130–159 mg/dL | ||
| High | Greater than or equal to 239 mg/dL | 160–189 mg/dL | ||
How Often to Get Tested
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most healthy adults should get their cholesterol checked every four to six years.4
Children should have their cholesterol checked at least once between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between 17 and 20 years of age.4 If a child has a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease, or is overweight or obese, their pediatrician may recommend getting checked sooner and more often.
What Affects Cholesterol Levels?
There are a variety of factors that can affect cholesterol levels. Some risk factors are within your control, while others are not:
- Genetics: These factors include familial hypercholesterolemia and a family history of heart disease.
- Sex: Males often have higher levels of LDL. After menopause, a woman’s LDL levels can also increase.4
- Weight: People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of having high cholesterol.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can increase the risk of overweight and obesity and, in turn, increase cholesterol levels.
- Diet: Overall diet quality can affect cholesterol in a negative way, including eating too many saturated and trans fats and not enough fiber.
- Age: Your body’s ability to clear cholesterol can be impacted as you age.
- Race and ethnicity: There are different rates of high cholesterol based on race/ethnicity and sex, with the highest rates among males in Hispanics and the highest rates among females in non-Hispanic Whites.5
- Smoking: Smoking can increase your bad cholesterol and lower your good cholesterol.
- Other medical conditions: Having a previous history of high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes can increase your risk of developing high cholesterol.
Summary
Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age, so the recommended ranges for your cholesterol will depend on your age. Many factors affect your cholesterol levels in addition to age, including those over which you have control. If lifestyle changes cannot keep your cholesterol levels at a healthy level, your healthcare professional may recommend medication.
Read Full Article at: https://www.verywellhealth.com/cholesterol-levels-by-age-chart-5190176
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