Cholesterol levels vary by age, weight, and sex. They typically increase over time, and people over 20 should check their cholesterol levels every 5 years.
Monitoring cholesterol can help people manage their cholesterol levels. High cholesterol may increase a person’s risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. There are two types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Too much LDL — “bad” cholesterol — in the bloodstream, can build up in blood vessels, forming fatty deposits called plaques.These plaques
Total and LDL cholesterol levels should be low. But having higher HDL — “good” cholesterol — levels in the blood may reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Doctors can measure HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol levels. The results may also show levels of all non-HDL fats that can raise the risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol levels
The CDC recommends that most adults check their cholesterol levels at least once every
Children should have at least one cholesterol test between the ages of 9 and 11 years and another between the ages of 17 and 21 years.
However, children with risk factors for high cholesterol, such as obesity or diabetes, may need more frequent checks.
High cholesterol can affect people of any sex. However, from the ages
The table below shows optimal levels of cholesterol by age, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Doctors measure cholesterol in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).
| Type of cholesterol | Anyone 19 or younger | Adult male cholesterol | Adult female cholesterol |
|---|---|---|---|
| total cholesterol | less than 170 mg/dl | less than 200 mg/dl | less than 200 mg/dl |
| non-HDL | less than 120 mg/dl | less than 130 mg/dl | less than 130 mg/dl |
| LDL | less than 100 mg/dl | less than 100 mg/dl | less than 100 mg/dl |
| HDL | more than 45 mg/dl | 40 mg/dl or higher | 50 mg/dl or higher |
For adults,
| Optimal levels | less than 100 mg/dL |
|---|---|
| Near-optimal | 100 to 129 mg/dl |
| Borderline high | 130 to 159 mg/dl |
| High | 160 to 189 mg/dl |
| Very high | over 190 mg/dl |
Lower levels of HDL cholesterol may increase the risk of heart disease. Healthcare professionals may categorize HDL cholesterol as follows:
| Optimal | over or equal to 60 |
|---|---|
| Acceptable | over or equal to 40 mg/dl for males or 50 mg/dl for females |
| Borderline low | less than 40 mg/dl |
Aging aside, any changes in cholesterol levels may stem from health conditions and lifestyle factors.
Cholesterol levels for children
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the following measures apply for children and adolescents ages 19 and below:
| Cholesterol type | Total cholesterol | LDL |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptable levels | below 170 mg/dl | below 110 mg/dl |
| Borderline high levels | 170 to 199 mg/dl | 110 to 129 mg/dl |
| High levels | 200 mg/dl or higher | over 130 mg/dl |
Other factors that affect blood cholesterol
The
- type 2 diabetes
- familial hypercholesterolemia
- a diet high in saturated fats
- low exercise levels
- obesity
- smoking
In addition, having family members with high cholesterol increases a person’s risk.
The
- eat a diet rich in heart-healthy foods, including plenty of:
- fruits and vegetables
- lean proteins
- whole grains
- exercise regularly
- quit smoking, if this applies
- maintain or achieve a moderate weight
- manage stress
- limit alcohol
- get enough sleep
Having a healthy diet and getting enough exercise can also reduce high cholesterol levels in children.
Generally, the earlier a person starts making these changes, the better for their cholesterol levels, as cholesterol builds up over time.
High cholesterol at any age increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. These risks only increase over time.
Drug therapies to treat high cholesterol
When lifestyle changes alone cannot reduce high cholesterol, doctors may recommend medications. The
- Statins: Statins keep the liver from producing cholesterol and are the
first-lineTrusted Source medication for high cholesterol. - Bile acid sequestrants: These drugs reduce the amount of fat that the body absorbs from food. These are less common now due to better alternatives.
- Ezetimibe (Zetia): This medication inhibits NPC1L1 protein to reduce cholesterol absorption in the small intestine.
- PCSK9 inhibitors: This medication binds to PCSK9 and increases the number of LDL receptors available to clear circulating LDL cholesterol.
- Bempedoic acid: This inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the liver and increases LDL receptor density.
- Some vitamins and supplements: Some vitamins, such as Vescepa (purified EPA fish oil), may help with hypertriglyceridemia.
Before the age of 18, a doctor should check a child’s cholesterol levels at least
A healthcare professional should check cholesterol levels in most adults every 4 to 6 years.
The doctor may recommend treatment, including lifestyle changes, if:
- The results show high or borderline high levels of total and LDL cholesterol.
- The person is overweight.
- The person has a family history of heart disease.
For children and teens, optimal total cholesterol levels are below 170 mg/dl, and optimal LDL levels are below 110 mg/dl.
For adults ages 20 and over, optimal total cholesterol levels are less than 200 mg/dl, and optimal LDL levels are less than 100 mg/dl.
Doctors may consider a person to have high cholesterol levels if their LDL cholesterol is over 160 mg/dl.
However, if a person has cardiovascular risk factors, doctors may consider their LDL cholesterol to be high at lower levels.
Dietary changes, weight management, and exercise can all help lower cholesterol levels. A doctor may prescribe medication if someone has other cardiovascular risk factors, if their levels are very high, or if they do not respond to lifestyle changes.
Cholesterol levels increase with age, and having high cholesterol at any age increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Reaching or maintaining optimal cholesterol levels may involve lifestyle changes and, if these are not enough, prescription medication.
Healthcare professionals will typically check cholesterol levels in adults every 4 to 6 years.
