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Cholesterol level 244. Borderline High Cholesterol: Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels and Heart Health

What is borderline high cholesterol. How does it affect your heart health. What steps can you take to lower your cholesterol levels. When should you consider medication for borderline high cholesterol. How often should you get your cholesterol checked.

Understanding Cholesterol and Its Impact on Heart Health

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that plays a crucial role in our body’s functions. While our liver produces all the cholesterol we need, we also consume additional cholesterol through certain foods, particularly those of animal origin. When cholesterol levels become excessive, it can accumulate in the walls of our arteries, forming plaque and potentially leading to a condition called atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a process where the arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, making it more difficult for blood to flow through them. This condition can have serious consequences for our cardiovascular health, including an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Types of Cholesterol

When discussing cholesterol, it’s important to understand that there are different types, each playing a unique role in our body:

  • Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): Often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” LDL is the main contributor to plaque buildup in the arteries.
  • High-density lipoproteins (HDL): Known as “good cholesterol,” HDL helps transport LDL from the blood to the liver for elimination.
  • Triglycerides: Another type of fat in the bloodstream that’s associated with heart disease risk.

Decoding Your Cholesterol Test Results

A standard cholesterol test, also known as a lipid panel, measures total cholesterol as well as the levels of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides in your blood. Understanding these numbers is crucial for assessing your overall heart health and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Total Cholesterol Levels

  • Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL
  • Borderline high risk: 200-239 mg/dL
  • High risk: 240 mg/dL and above

If your total cholesterol falls between 200 and 239 mg/dL, you have what’s considered “borderline” high cholesterol. This means your cholesterol levels are above normal but not yet in the high-risk category.

LDL Cholesterol Levels

For LDL cholesterol, the guidelines have shifted from targeting specific numbers to focusing on overall risk reduction. However, an LDL level of 190 mg/dL or higher is considered high risk and may require intensive treatment, including lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and potentially statin therapy.

HDL Cholesterol Levels

For HDL cholesterol, higher numbers are generally better. Levels below 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women are considered high risk.

The Importance of Regular Cholesterol Testing

Regular cholesterol testing is crucial for monitoring your heart health. But how often should you get your cholesterol checked? For most adults, it’s recommended to have a cholesterol test every 5 years. However, if you have risk factors for heart disease or a history of high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.

It’s important to note that high cholesterol often doesn’t cause any symptoms. This is why regular testing is so crucial – it’s often the only way to detect elevated cholesterol levels before they lead to more serious health problems.

Lifestyle Changes to Lower Borderline High Cholesterol

If you’ve been diagnosed with borderline high cholesterol, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help bring your levels down to a healthier range:

1. Dietary Modifications

Making changes in the kitchen can have a significant impact on your cholesterol levels. Consider incorporating these dietary strategies:

  • Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Choose lean proteins such as fish, poultry, and plant-based protein sources
  • Limit saturated and trans fats found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods
  • Include heart-healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocados, and nuts

2. Regular Physical Activity

Exercise can help raise your HDL (good) cholesterol levels while lowering LDL and triglycerides. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.

3. Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight can help improve your cholesterol profile. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% of your body weight can have significant benefits for your heart health.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking lowers your HDL cholesterol levels and increases your risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking can help improve your cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.

Reading Food Labels for Heart Health

Understanding food labels is crucial for managing your cholesterol levels. When shopping for groceries, pay attention to:

  • Saturated fat content
  • Trans fat content (aim for zero)
  • Dietary fiber
  • Sodium levels
  • Added sugars

Look for foods that are low in saturated and trans fats, and high in fiber. Be cautious of “low-cholesterol” claims on food packages, as dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol levels than saturated and trans fats.

When to Consider Medication for Borderline High Cholesterol

While lifestyle changes are often the first line of defense against borderline high cholesterol, some individuals may need medication to help lower their cholesterol levels. Your doctor will consider several factors when deciding whether to prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication, including:

  • Your overall risk of heart disease
  • Your LDL cholesterol levels
  • The presence of other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking
  • Your age and family history of heart disease

One tool that doctors may use to assess your heart disease risk is the coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. This imaging test can reveal whether dangerous plaque has built up in your heart’s arteries, providing valuable information for treatment decisions.

Monitoring Your Progress and Adjusting Your Plan

Once you’ve implemented lifestyle changes or started medication to address your borderline high cholesterol, it’s important to monitor your progress. Your doctor may recommend follow-up cholesterol tests to see how well your treatment plan is working.

If your cholesterol levels aren’t improving as expected, your doctor may suggest adjusting your treatment plan. This could involve intensifying lifestyle changes, adjusting medication dosages, or trying different medications.

The Role of Other Risk Factors

While managing your cholesterol levels is important, it’s crucial to remember that other factors also contribute to your overall heart health. These include:

  • Blood pressure
  • Blood sugar levels
  • Smoking status
  • Physical activity level
  • Diet
  • Stress management

Addressing these factors in conjunction with managing your cholesterol can provide comprehensive protection for your heart health.

Understanding the Shift in Cholesterol Management Guidelines

In recent years, there has been a shift in how medical professionals approach cholesterol management. While specific target numbers for LDL cholesterol were once the focus, current guidelines emphasize a more holistic approach to cardiovascular risk reduction.

This new approach considers a person’s overall risk profile, taking into account factors such as age, gender, blood pressure, smoking status, and the presence of diabetes. Based on this comprehensive risk assessment, doctors may recommend a certain percentage of LDL reduction rather than aiming for a specific number.

This shift reflects a growing understanding that heart health is complex and multifaceted, and that effective prevention of heart disease and stroke requires a more nuanced approach than simply targeting specific cholesterol numbers.

The Importance of Individualized Treatment Plans

Given the complexity of cardiovascular health, it’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan. This plan should take into account your specific risk factors, lifestyle, and overall health goals.

Remember, while having borderline high cholesterol is a concern, it’s also an opportunity to take proactive steps to improve your heart health. By making lifestyle changes, monitoring your cholesterol levels, and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health and well-being.

What It Is and What to Do About It

Written by Jodi Helmer

  • Cholesterol Tests
  • Make Changes in the Kitchen
  • Read Food Labels
  • Get Moving
  • Lose Extra Weight
  • Quit Smoking
  • Check to See What’s Working
  • More

Has your doctor told you that you have “borderline” high cholesterol? That means your cholesterol level is above normal but not quite in the “high” range.

You have borderline high cholesterol if your total cholesterol is between 200 and 239 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Your doctor will also consider other things, like how much of your total cholesterol is LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and how much of it is HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

Making simple changes in your lifestyle is often enough to bring borderline cholesterol levels down to the normal range. Some people may also need to take medicine for it. And keep in mind that other things, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking, also affect your heart health; it’s not just about cholesterol.

If you have borderline cholesterol, your doctor will decide whether you need treatment by looking at these and other risk factors for heart disease. They may ask you to get an imaging test of your heart called a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. This test reveals whether dangerous plaque has built up in your heart’s arteries.

You won’t know you have borderline cholesterol unless you get a cholesterol blood test. You should do that every 5 years.

The average American has a total cholesterol level of 200, which is in the borderline range.

You can turn it around before you get high cholesterol. Start with these steps.

Why Do I Need a Cholesterol Test?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you take in more cholesterol from certain foods, such as those from animals. If you have too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up in the walls of your arteries (as “plaque”) and eventually harden. This process, called atherosclerosis, actually narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to travel through them. 

Unfortunately, high cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms. In later stages of atherosclerosis, though, you may have angina – severe chest pain from lack of blood flow to the heart. If an artery gets totally blocked, a heart attack results. A routine blood cholesterol test is a far better way of finding out what your cholesterol level is.

What Does a Cholesterol Test Measure?

In addition to measuring the total cholesterol in your blood, the standard cholesterol test (called a “lipid panel”) measures three specific kinds of fat:

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This is the “bad cholesterol,” the main cause of plaque buildup, which increases your risk of heart disease. In general, the lower the number, the better. But LDL cholesterol is only one part of a larger equation that measures a person’s overall risk of having a heart attack or stroke.  

For years, guidelines focused on specific target numbers for people to achieve to lower their risk. The most recent guidelines focus on a person’s overall risk and, based on that risk, recommend a certain percentage of LDL reduction as one part of a way to prevent serious heart and blood vessel problems.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL). This is the “good cholesterol.” It transports bad cholesterol from the blood to the liver, where it is excreted by the body. Your HDL is another part of the equation that identifies the risk of a cardiovascular event. In general, the higher the number the better, although, as with LDL, the emphasis has shifted from specific target numbers to ways to reduce the overall risk.

Triglycerides. Another type of fat in the bloodstream, triglycerides are also linked to heart disease. They are stored in fat cells throughout the body.

What Do Cholesterol Test Numbers Mean?

If you have a lipoprotein profile, it’s important to look at all the numbers from the cholesterol test, not just the total cholesterol number. That’s because LDL and HDL levels are two top signs of potential heart disease. Use the information below to interpret your results (with the help of your doctor, of course). This will help you get a better idea about your risk for heart disease.

Total blood cholesterol level:

  • High risk: 240 mg/dL and above
  • Borderline high risk: 200-239 mg/dL
  • Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol levels:

190 mg/dL and above represents a high risk for heart disease and is a strong sign that you can benefit from intensive treatment, including lifestyle changes, diet, and statin therapy for reducing that risk.

For LDL levels that are equal to or less than 189 mg/dL, the guidelines recommend strategies for lowering LDL by 30% to 50%, depending on what other risk factors you have that can affect the health of your heart and blood vessels.

HDL cholesterol:

  • High risk: Less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women

Triglycerides:

  • Very high risk: 500 mg/dL and above
  • High risk: 200-499 mg/dL
  • Borderline high risk: 150-199 mg/dL
  • Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL

Use your diet to help lower your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol.

For the biggest impact, choose foods that are low in saturated fats and trans fats, and high in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Whole grains, beans, apples, pears, oatmeal, salmon, walnuts, and olive oil are excellent heart-healthy choices.

Here are some more diet tips to help you lower your cholesterol:

Make meat lean. Cut back on red meats that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, and choose only lean meats with very little visible fat. Examples of lean beef include London broil, eye of round, and filet mignon. Avoid processed meats like bacon and sausage, which are linked to higher odds of heart disease and diabetes.

Remove skin from poultry. That’s where much of the fat is.

Eat more seafood. It usually has less fat than other meat. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fatty fish (like salmon, tuna, or mackerel) each week for heart health. Those fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for you.

Limit saturated fat. These are found in whole-fat dairy products, mayonnaise, and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils or fats (such as stick margarine). These products may also contain trans fats, which can raise your cholesterol level.

Go liquid. For cooking, replace saturated fats that are solid at room temperature (such as butter and shortening) with liquid monounsaturated fats such as olive, canola, and flaxseed oils. There’s evidence that eating moderate amounts of monounsaturated fat – found in such foods as nuts, seeds, and avocados – may lower LDL cholesterol.

Add fiber with plant foods. Good sources include grapefruit, apples, beans and other legumes, barley, carrots, cabbage, and oatmeal.

Get two daily servings of plant sterol-rich foods. These foods, such as nuts, can help lower cholesterol. Plant sterols are also added to some soft margarines, granola bars, yogurts, and orange juice.

You need to know how much saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol are in your favorite foods. That can help you make better choices.

Too much saturated fat can drive up your cholesterol level. It’s found mostly in animal products. Cholesterol also is found in animal products. Your doctor or a dietitian can let you know what your daily limit should be.

Artificial trans fats can raise your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. They’re in packaged foods, like some crackers, cookies, pastries, and microwave popcorn.

Check the nutrition label. And because products marked “0 grams” of trans fats per serving can have up to a gram of trans fats, check the ingredients label, too. Anything marked “partially hydrogenated” is trans fat.

Exercise helps you get your cholesterol down from the borderline range.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, per day (150 minutes each week). You can also do a more intense workout for 75 minutes a week.

Taking a walk, riding your bike, playing a team sport, or taking a group fitness class will increase your heart rate while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Push yourself, if you can, but keep in mind that moderate exercise is better than none at all.

You can have borderline high cholesterol and be at a healthy weight. But if you’re overweight, losing those extra pounds can help bring your cholesterol level back down.

Losing as little as 5% of your body weight can lower your cholesterol levels. One study found that adults who took part in a 12-week exercise program lowered their LDL by 18 points, and their total cholesterol dropped 26 points.

With a combination of weight loss and a healthy diet, it’s possible to lower LDL levels up to 30% – results that are similar to taking cholesterol-lowering drugs.

If you’re not sure whether your weight is in a healthy place, ask your doctor to check your body mass index (BMI). A normal BMI is 18 to 25. If your BMI is 25 or higher, ask your doctor for advice on the best types of physical activity for you.

If you smoke, kicking the habit can help raise your HDL (“good”) cholesterol up to 10%.

Have you tried to quit smoking before? For many people, it takes a couple of tries. Keep trying until it sticks. It’s worth it, for your whole body’s health.

During regular screening appointments, your doctor will check your cholesterol levels to see if the changes you’ve made have gotten you to your cholesterol goal.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to lower borderline high cholesterol, your doctor may talk to you about medication.

Top Picks

What It Is and What to Do About It

Written by Jodi Helmer

  • Cholesterol Tests
  • Make Changes in the Kitchen
  • Read Food Labels
  • Get Moving
  • Lose Extra Weight
  • Quit Smoking
  • Check to See What’s Working
  • More

Has your doctor told you that you have “borderline” high cholesterol? That means your cholesterol level is above normal but not quite in the “high” range.

You have borderline high cholesterol if your total cholesterol is between 200 and 239 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Your doctor will also consider other things, like how much of your total cholesterol is LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and how much of it is HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

Making simple changes in your lifestyle is often enough to bring borderline cholesterol levels down to the normal range. Some people may also need to take medicine for it. And keep in mind that other things, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking, also affect your heart health; it’s not just about cholesterol.

If you have borderline cholesterol, your doctor will decide whether you need treatment by looking at these and other risk factors for heart disease. They may ask you to get an imaging test of your heart called a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. This test reveals whether dangerous plaque has built up in your heart’s arteries.

You won’t know you have borderline cholesterol unless you get a cholesterol blood test. You should do that every 5 years.

The average American has a total cholesterol level of 200, which is in the borderline range.

You can turn it around before you get high cholesterol. Start with these steps.

Why Do I Need a Cholesterol Test?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you take in more cholesterol from certain foods, such as those from animals. If you have too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up in the walls of your arteries (as “plaque”) and eventually harden. This process, called atherosclerosis, actually narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to travel through them. 

Unfortunately, high cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms. In later stages of atherosclerosis, though, you may have angina – severe chest pain from lack of blood flow to the heart. If an artery gets totally blocked, a heart attack results. A routine blood cholesterol test is a far better way of finding out what your cholesterol level is.

What Does a Cholesterol Test Measure?

In addition to measuring the total cholesterol in your blood, the standard cholesterol test (called a “lipid panel”) measures three specific kinds of fat:

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This is the “bad cholesterol,” the main cause of plaque buildup, which increases your risk of heart disease. In general, the lower the number, the better. But LDL cholesterol is only one part of a larger equation that measures a person’s overall risk of having a heart attack or stroke. 

For years, guidelines focused on specific target numbers for people to achieve to lower their risk. The most recent guidelines focus on a person’s overall risk and, based on that risk, recommend a certain percentage of LDL reduction as one part of a way to prevent serious heart and blood vessel problems.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL). This is the “good cholesterol.” It transports bad cholesterol from the blood to the liver, where it is excreted by the body. Your HDL is another part of the equation that identifies the risk of a cardiovascular event. In general, the higher the number the better, although, as with LDL, the emphasis has shifted from specific target numbers to ways to reduce the overall risk.

Triglycerides. Another type of fat in the bloodstream, triglycerides are also linked to heart disease. They are stored in fat cells throughout the body.

What Do Cholesterol Test Numbers Mean?

If you have a lipoprotein profile, it’s important to look at all the numbers from the cholesterol test, not just the total cholesterol number. That’s because LDL and HDL levels are two top signs of potential heart disease. Use the information below to interpret your results (with the help of your doctor, of course). This will help you get a better idea about your risk for heart disease.

Total blood cholesterol level:

  • High risk: 240 mg/dL and above
  • Borderline high risk: 200-239 mg/dL
  • Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol levels:

190 mg/dL and above represents a high risk for heart disease and is a strong sign that you can benefit from intensive treatment, including lifestyle changes, diet, and statin therapy for reducing that risk.

For LDL levels that are equal to or less than 189 mg/dL, the guidelines recommend strategies for lowering LDL by 30% to 50%, depending on what other risk factors you have that can affect the health of your heart and blood vessels.

HDL cholesterol:

  • High risk: Less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women

Triglycerides:

  • Very high risk: 500 mg/dL and above
  • High risk: 200-499 mg/dL
  • Borderline high risk: 150-199 mg/dL
  • Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL

Use your diet to help lower your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol.

For the biggest impact, choose foods that are low in saturated fats and trans fats, and high in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Whole grains, beans, apples, pears, oatmeal, salmon, walnuts, and olive oil are excellent heart-healthy choices.

Here are some more diet tips to help you lower your cholesterol:

Make meat lean. Cut back on red meats that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, and choose only lean meats with very little visible fat. Examples of lean beef include London broil, eye of round, and filet mignon. Avoid processed meats like bacon and sausage, which are linked to higher odds of heart disease and diabetes.

Remove skin from poultry. That’s where much of the fat is.

Eat more seafood. It usually has less fat than other meat. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fatty fish (like salmon, tuna, or mackerel) each week for heart health. Those fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for you.

Limit saturated fat. These are found in whole-fat dairy products, mayonnaise, and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils or fats (such as stick margarine). These products may also contain trans fats, which can raise your cholesterol level.

Go liquid. For cooking, replace saturated fats that are solid at room temperature (such as butter and shortening) with liquid monounsaturated fats such as olive, canola, and flaxseed oils. There’s evidence that eating moderate amounts of monounsaturated fat – found in such foods as nuts, seeds, and avocados – may lower LDL cholesterol.

Add fiber with plant foods. Good sources include grapefruit, apples, beans and other legumes, barley, carrots, cabbage, and oatmeal.

Get two daily servings of plant sterol-rich foods. These foods, such as nuts, can help lower cholesterol. Plant sterols are also added to some soft margarines, granola bars, yogurts, and orange juice.

You need to know how much saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol are in your favorite foods. That can help you make better choices.

Too much saturated fat can drive up your cholesterol level. It’s found mostly in animal products. Cholesterol also is found in animal products. Your doctor or a dietitian can let you know what your daily limit should be.

Artificial trans fats can raise your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. They’re in packaged foods, like some crackers, cookies, pastries, and microwave popcorn.

Check the nutrition label. And because products marked “0 grams” of trans fats per serving can have up to a gram of trans fats, check the ingredients label, too. Anything marked “partially hydrogenated” is trans fat.

Exercise helps you get your cholesterol down from the borderline range.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, per day (150 minutes each week). You can also do a more intense workout for 75 minutes a week.

Taking a walk, riding your bike, playing a team sport, or taking a group fitness class will increase your heart rate while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Push yourself, if you can, but keep in mind that moderate exercise is better than none at all.

You can have borderline high cholesterol and be at a healthy weight. But if you’re overweight, losing those extra pounds can help bring your cholesterol level back down.

Losing as little as 5% of your body weight can lower your cholesterol levels. One study found that adults who took part in a 12-week exercise program lowered their LDL by 18 points, and their total cholesterol dropped 26 points.

With a combination of weight loss and a healthy diet, it’s possible to lower LDL levels up to 30% – results that are similar to taking cholesterol-lowering drugs.

If you’re not sure whether your weight is in a healthy place, ask your doctor to check your body mass index (BMI). A normal BMI is 18 to 25. If your BMI is 25 or higher, ask your doctor for advice on the best types of physical activity for you.

If you smoke, kicking the habit can help raise your HDL (“good”) cholesterol up to 10%.

Have you tried to quit smoking before? For many people, it takes a couple of tries. Keep trying until it sticks. It’s worth it, for your whole body’s health.

During regular screening appointments, your doctor will check your cholesterol levels to see if the changes you’ve made have gotten you to your cholesterol goal.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to lower borderline high cholesterol, your doctor may talk to you about medication.

Top Picks

What level of cholesterol is considered high? | Eternal questions | Question-Answer

Elena Slobodyan

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

948725

Category:
Diseases and treatment

The level of cholesterol in the blood is an important indicator of health. Cholesterol is present in every organ, in every cell membrane and in muscle. Without this substance, the construction of the skeleton, the regeneration of damaged tissues, the metabolism and the production of the most important sex hormones, such as testosterone, estrogen and cortisol, are impossible.

A person receives only 20% of cholesterol from food, in particular, from animal fats, meat, some types of proteins and other products, and the remaining 80% is produced in the human liver.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is usually divided into “bad” and “good”. Both forms are found in the blood plasma as part of lipoproteins: complex complex compounds consisting of fats and proteins.

“Good” cholesterol is the code name for high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The main function of “good” cholesterol is the continuous transfer of excess cholesterol from the blood to the liver for processing and further excretion from the body. Therefore, such cholesterol actively protects the body from serious diseases and cleanses the inner walls of blood vessels.

In contrast, “bad” cholesterol settles inside the walls of the arteries, forming plaques. It combines with apoproteins (special types of protein) and forms fat-protein complexes (LDL). Dangerous for health is the increase in the level of this particular cholesterol.

Cholesterol norms for women and men

The content of cholesterol in human blood can vary from 3.6 mmol/l to 7.8 mmol/l. The optimal level of cholesterol is considered:

Index

Norm for men, mmol/l

Norm for women, mmol/l

Cholesterol, total

3.6-5.2

3. 6-5.2

“Bad” cholesterol (LDL)

2.25-4.82

to 3.5

Good cholesterol (HDL)

0.7-1.7

0.9-1.9

Norms of blood cholesterol in men by age

Age

Total cholesterol

LDL cholesterol

HDL cholesterol

< 5 years

2. 95-5.25 mmol/l

5-10 years

3.13-5.25 mmol/l

1.63-3.34 mmol/l

0.98-1.94 mmol/l

10-15 years

3.08-5.23 mmol/l

1.66-3.34 mmol/l

0.96-1.91 mmol/l

15-20 years

2.91-5.10 mmol/l

1.61-3.37 mmol/l

0.78-1.63 mmol/l

20-25 years old

3. 16-5.59 mmol/l

1.71-3.81 mmol/l

0.78-1.63 mmol/l

25-30 years old

3.44-6.32 mmol/l

1.81-4.27 mmol/l

0.80-1.63 mmol/l

30-35 years

3.57-6.58 mmol/l

2.02-4.79 mmol/l

0.72-1.63 mmol/l

35-40 years old

3.63-6.99 mmol/l

1. 94-4.45 mmol/l

0.88-2.12 mmol/l

40-45 years

3.91-6.94 mmol/l

2.25-4.82 mmol/l

0.70-1.73 mmol/l

45-50 years old

4.09-7.15 mmol/l

2.51-5.23 mmol/l

0.78-1.66 mmol/l

50-55 years

4.09-7.17 mmol/l

2.31-5.10 mmol/l

0. 72-1.63 mmol/l

55-60 years old

4.04-7.15 mmol/l

2.28-5.26 mmol/l

0.72-1.84 mmol/l

60-65 years

4.12-7.15 mmol/l

2.15-5.44 mmol/l

0.78-1.91 mmol/l

65-70 years old

4.09-7.10 mmol/l

2.49-5.34 mmol/l

0.78-1.94 mmol/l

> 70 years old

3. 73-6.86 mmol/l

2.49-5.34 mmol/l

0.85-1.94 mmol/l

Norms of blood cholesterol in women by age

Age

Total cholesterol

LDL cholesterol

HDL cholesterol

< 5 years

2.90-5.18 mmol/l

5-10 years

2. 26-5.30 mmol/l

1.76-3.63 mmol/l

0.93-1.89mmol/l

10-15 years

3.21-5.20 mmol/l

1.76-3.52 mmol/l

0.96-1.81 mmol/l

15-20 years old

3.08-5.18 mmol/l

1.53-3.55 mmol/l

0.91-1.91 mmol/l

20-25 years old

3.16-5.59 mmol/l

1. 48-4.12 mmol/l

0.85-2.04 mmol/l

25-30 years old

3.32-5.75 mmol/l

1.84-4.25 mmol/l

0.96-2.15 mmol/l

30-35 years

3.37-5.96 mmol/l

1.81-4.04 mmol/l

0.93-1.99 mmol/l

35-40 years old

3.63-6.27 mmol/l

1.94-4.45 mmol/l

0. 88-2.12 mmol/l

40-45 years

3.81-6.53 mmol/l

1.92-4.51 mmol/l

0.88-2.28 mmol/l

45-50 years old

3.94-6.86 mmol/l

2.05-4.82 mmol/l

0.88-2.25 mmol/l

50-55 years

4.20-7.38 mmol/l

2.28-5.21 mmol/l

0.96-2.38 mmol/l

55-60 years old

4. 45-7.77 mmol/l

2.31-5.44 mmol/l

0.96-2.35 mmol/l

60-65 years old

4.45-7.69 mmol/l

2.59-5.80 mmol/l

0.98-2.38 mmol/l

65-70 years old

4.43-7.85 mmol/l

2.38-5.72 mmol/l

0.91-2.48 mmol/l

> 70 years old

4.48-7.25 mmol/l

2. 49-5.34 mmol/l

0.85-2.38 mmol/l

What happens when you have high cholesterol?

High cholesterol can be caused by:

How can blood cholesterol levels be controlled?

Only physical activity can increase the level of “good” cholesterol: medium and moderate physical activity on the body can increase its production. A low-carbohydrate diet can also help lower bad cholesterol levels. You should exclude the use of margarine, mayonnaise, chips, pastries, fried foods and convenience foods.

How can I check my cholesterol level?

To find out your cholesterol level, you should do a biochemical blood test. The analysis can be taken in almost any clinic, for this they take approximately 5 milliliters of blood from the cubital vein. It is important to know that before taking a cholesterol test, you should not eat anything for 12 hours, limit yourself to physical activity.

See also:

  • …What are the standards for blood sugar and cholesterol levels? →
  • What pressure is considered normal, low and high? →
  • …What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol? →

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