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Cholesterol levels vary by age, weight, and sex. The body produces more cholesterol over time, so doctors recommend that everyone 20 years and older check their cholesterol levels regularly, ideally about every 5 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that nearly 94 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol. This increases a persons risk of heart disease and stroke. In this article, we explain how doctors measure cholesterol, and we describe the healthy levels at different stages of life. We also look at ways of lowering cholesterol and maintaining healthy levels. Share on PinterestplaybGetty ImagesCholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance, and there are two types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).If there is too much LDL, or bad, cholesterol in the bloodstream, it can build up in blood vessels, forming fatty deposits called plaques.These plaques can lead to other problems, including heart attacks and strokes.Total and LDL cholesterol levels should be low. But having more HDL, or good, cholesterol 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 tend to increase with age. Taking steps to reach or maintain healthy levels earlier in life may prevent them from becoming dangerously high over time. Years of unmanaged cholesterol levels can be challenging to treat.The CDC recommends that people aged 20 or over check their cholesterol levels every 5 years, or more frequently if they have other cardiovascular disease risk factors.Children are less likely to have high cholesterol, and doctors may only need to check their levels twice before they turn 18 years old.However, kids with risk factors for high cholesterol should have their levels checked more frequently.Typically, males tend to have higher levels throughout their lives than females. A males cholesterol levels increase with age, and a females cholesterol levels rise after menopause.The table below shows healthy levels of cholesterol by age, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Doctors measure cholesterol in milligrams per deciliter (mgdl).Aging aside, any changes in cholesterol levels usually stem from health conditions and lifestyle factors.Below, we describe healthy and unhealthy ranges in more detail. Cholesterol levels for adultsA doctor may classify a persons levels as high or low, borderline, or healthy.Total cholesterolTotal cholesterol levels under 200 mgdl are healthy for adults. Doctors treat readings of 200–239 mgdl as borderline high, and readings of at least 240 mgdl as high.LDL cholesterolIdeally, LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mgdl. Doctors may not express concern about levels of 100–129 mgdl for people with no health issues, but they may suggest treatment at this stage for people with heart disease or its risk factors. If a persons reading is 130–159 mgdl, it is borderline high, while readings of 160–189 mgdl are high. A reading of at least 190 mgdl is very high.HDL cholesterolDoctors recommend keeping HDL levels higher. People with a reading of less than 40 mgdl may have a risk of heart disease. If a persons reading is 41–59 mgdl, doctors consider this borderline low. Optimal HDL levels are 60 mgdl or higher.Cholesterol levels for childrenAccording to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should have total cholesterol readings of under 170 mgdl. The borderline high range is 170–199 mgdl, and a reading of 200 mgdl or over is high.LDL cholesterol levels should be under 110 mgdl. The borderline high range is 110–129 mgdl, and any reading over 130 mgdl is high. Other factors that affect blood cholesterolThe CDC point outs that some health conditions and lifestyle factors can raise cholesterol levels. It says that type 2 diabetes, for example, raises LDL cholesterol levels, as does familial hypercholesterolemia. The CDC also states that having a diet high in saturated fats and getting low levels of exercise may contribute to high cholesterol levels.In addition, it acknowledges that having family members with high cholesterol increases a persons risk.The NIH recommends these strategies for lowering cholesterol levels:having a diet rich in heart-healthy foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grainsbecoming more physically activequitting smoking, if this applieshaving a moderate weightmanaging stressThe NIH recommends consulting a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise plan, but overall, it advises a person to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Having a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise can also bring down 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 cholesterolWhen lifestyle changes alone cannot bring down high cholesterol, doctors may recommend medications. The CDC reports that the following drugs and supplements can help:Statins: These drugs keep the liver from producing cholesterol.Bile acid sequestrants: These drugs reduce the amount of fat that the body absorbs from food.Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These drugs lower levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood and reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food.Some vitamins and supplements: These, such as niacin, stop the liver from removing HDL and lower levels of triglycerides.Omega-3 fatty acids: These raise HDL levels and lower triglyceride levels.Before the age of 18, a doctor should check a childs cholesterol levels at least twice. If the childs family has a history of heart disease, overweight, or certain other health conditions, doctors may recommend checking levels more often.A healthcare professional should check cholesterol levels in adults aged 20 or older every 4–6 years. The doctor may recommend treatment 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.Cholesterol levels increase with age, and having high cholesterol at any age increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Reaching or maintaining healthy levels may involve lifestyle changes, and if these are not enough, prescription medication.A doctor should check cholesterol levels in adults, starting at the age of 20, every 4–6 years. Last medically reviewed on December 22, 2021Nutrition DietPediatrics Childrens HealthSeniors Aging
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