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Visit the HSE website for a full overview of High Cholesterol
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.
Cholesterol 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. Your Cholesterol today at your DeCare health screening is explained below on the chart given your age and metric.
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 five years.
Type of Cholesterol | Anyone 19 or younger | Men aged 20 or over | Women aged 20 or over |
|---|---|---|---|
Total cholesterol | Less than 170 mg/dl | 125-200 mg/dl | 125-200 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 |
Total cholesterol levels under 200 mg/dl are healthy for adults.
Doctors treat readings of 200–239 mg/dl as borderline high, and readings of at least 240 mg/dl as high.
Ideally, LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dl. Doctors may not express concern about levels of 100–129 mg/dl 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 person’s reading is 130–159 mg/dl, it is borderline high, while readings of 160–189 mg/dl are high. A reading of at least 190 mg/dl is very high.
Doctors recommend keeping HDL levels higher. People with a reading of less than 40 mg/dl may have a risk of heart disease.
If a person’s reading is 41–59 mg/dl, doctors consider this borderline low. Optimal HDL levels are 60 mg/dl or higher.
The Institute of Public Health recommends these strategies for lowering cholesterol levels:
The IPH 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.
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