Your cholesterol levels show how much cholesterol is in your blood. Your HDL is the one number you want to be high (ideally 60 to 80). Your LDL should be below 100.
Understanding the Context
Recommended total cholesterol levels are under 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for adults and under 170 mg/dL for children. Females typically need more HDL (good) cholesterol than males.Cholesterol is a fatty substance your liver makes. Your body produces all of the cholesterol that it needs to function. However, cholesterol is also found in certain foods.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having too much of the bad type of cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), could put you at risk of certain health conditions.Keep reading to learn more about the recommended cholesterol levels by age.
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Key Insights
Language mattersSex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to the sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.See full list on healthline.comA healthcare professional will use a lipid panel blood test to measure the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. This is known as total cholesterol, which consists of three lipids:•Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) carry cholesterol through your bloodstream. LDL is called “bad” cholesterol because high amounts can form plaques in your blood vessels, increasing your risk for heart disease.•High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) help protect you from heart disease.
Important Details
HDL is called “good” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol back to your liver, which is then excreted from your body.•Triglycerides are another type of fat that could build up in your body. They’re the “building blocks” of cholesterol.See full list on healthline.comThe American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that adults have their cholesterol checked every 4–6 years, starting at age 20 years. This is when cholesterol levels can start to rise.According to the 2018 guidelines on the management of blood cholesterol published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), these are the acceptable, borderline, and high measurements for adults.All values are in mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and are based on fasting measurements.Guidelines are similar for males and females over the age of 20 years. However, they may differ when it comes to HDL cholesterol, as seen above.
Final Thoughts
Females should aim for higher levels of HDL cholesterol.See full list on healthline.comSeveral factors may affect a child’s risk of having high cholesterol, including:•physical activity•eating a nutrient-dense diet•having overweight•having a family history of high cholesterolThe CDC recommends children have their cholesterol checked between ages 9–11 years, and again between ages 17–21 years. Children with more risk factors, such as diabetes or obesity, may need to be checked more often.See full list on healthline.comA healthcare professional may recommend a treatment plan for high cholesterol. This will vary based on factors like other medications you may be taking, your age, sex, and general health.Your treatment plan may include lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as medication.Some medications commonly prescribed for high cholesterol include:•statins•bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine•cholesterol absorption inhibitors, such as ezetimibe (Zetia)See full list on healthline.comSome lifestyle changes are reasonably effective in helping you reduce cholesterol levels. They’re also fairly straightforward and can be done at any age and within most abilities.Here are some lifestyle changes that could help reduce your cholesterol levels:•get at least 150 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity exercise each week•eat more fiber, such as whole grains•eat more healthy fats•limit saturated fatty foodsSee full list on healthline.comThere are few noticeable symptoms of high cholesterol. Emergency symptoms such as a stroke or heart attack may be the only indicator of damage from high cholesterol. This means that regular monitoring by a doctor is essential.
Most people should get their cholesterol checked with a blood test every 4–6 years. However, a doctor may recommend more frequent screening if any of the following risk factors may affect you:•history of heart conditions•family history of high cholesterol•diet is high in trans and saturated fats•smokingSee full list on healthline.comWhat is normal LDL for a 70-year-old?Adults should keep their total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL and their LDL levels below 100 mg/dL.What range should your HDL and LDL be?A healthy LDL range for adults is 100 mg/dL or lower. A healthy HDL range for adult males is 40 mg/dL and for adult females 50 mg/dL.See full list on healthline.comCholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance that is created by your liver. It’s essential for bodily functions. However, high levels of cholesterol may increase your risk of developing certain health conditions. People ages 19 or younger should aim to have a total cholesterol of 170 mg/dL or less, while adults should aim for 200 mg/dL or less.Speak with a healthcare professional if you need help lowering your cholesterol levels. They can help develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Read this article in Spanish.See full list on healthline.comLearn the recommended cholesterol levels for adults and children, including LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol. Find out how to measure, treat, and prevent high cholesterol with lifestyle changes and medication.See full list on healthline.comFeb 16, 2024 · Optimal LDL-C is at or below 100 mg/dL. Adults with LDL-C in this level have lower rates of heart disease and stroke. If you’re healthy, aim for an LDL below 100 mg/dL. · For healthy adults 19 and older, LDL should be less than 100 mg/dL, and HDL should be more than 40 mg/dL. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Normal HDL and LDL cholesterol ranges vary by age. · “We focus most on the LDL number when looking at your cholesterol and your overall risk of developing heart disease,” says Dr. Cannon. The LDLlevel that’s healthy for you depends on what other cardiovascular risk factors you have. The general guidelines are: What is the ideal HDL and LDL levels?What is the normal range for cholesterol levels? For most healthy adults (19 and older), your total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL, your LDL less than 100 mg/dL, and your HDL greater than 40 mg/dL. For children (19 and younger), total cholesterol should be less than 170 mg/dL, LDL less than 110 mg/dL, and HDL greater than 45 mg/dL.What is a normal LDL level for a 50-year-old?Normal LDL Results for Males in Their 50s. The average LDL level for adults in the U.S. is 115 milligrams per deciliter, which is classified as "near or above optimal.". If your LDL is higher than it should be, making lifestyle changes can help improve your numbers.What LDL level is dangerous?Levels greater than 100mg/dL may be dangerous for those who have heart disease or related heart conditions, however levels of 100–129mg/dL are acceptable for otherwise healthy subjects. Cholesterol: How quickly will diet change HDL, LDL, or triglyceride levels?How low should LDL be?The optimal guideline level of LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dl. Research from the Cleveland Clinic (REVERSAL study) compared two cholesterol lowering drugs (pravastatin and atorvastatin) and found that lower levels of LDL, as low as 60 mg/dl had better outcomes. What Is the Healthy LDL Cholesterol Range for Adults? Normal LDL cholesterol, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), ranges from 100 to 129 mg/dL; levels below 100 mg/dL optimize arterial health by minimizing lipoprotein-driven plaque formation. Below is a breakdown of LDL categories: · Cholesterol numbers are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Talk with your healthcare provider about what your cholesterol numbers should be. The numbers that are best for you may depend on your age, race, blood pressure, weight, family history, and more. · Optimal LDL-C is at or below 100 mg/dL. Adults with LDL-C in this level have lower rates of heart disease and stroke. If you’re healthy, aim for an LDL below 100 mg/dL. · For healthy adults 19 and older, LDL should be less than 100 mg/dL, and HDL should be more than 40 mg/dL. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Normal HDL and LDL cholesterol ranges vary by age. · “We focus most on the LDL number when looking at your cholesterol and your overall risk of developing heart disease,” says Dr. Cannon. The LDLlevel that’s healthy for you depends on what other cardiovascular risk factors you have. The general guidelines are: What Is the Healthy LDL Cholesterol Range for Adults? Normal LDL cholesterol, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), ranges from 100 to 129 mg/dL; levels below 100 mg/dL optimize arterial health by minimizing lipoprotein-driven plaque formation. Below is a breakdown of LDL categories: · Cholesterol numbers are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Talk with your healthcare provider about what your cholesterol numbers should be. The numbers that are best for you may depend on your age, race, blood pressure, weight, family history, and more.
