What are healthy cholesterol ranges for different age groups. How can high cholesterol levels be identified and managed. What lifestyle changes can help maintain optimal cholesterol levels.

Decoding Cholesterol: Types and Their Impact on Health

Cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance, plays a crucial role in our body’s functioning. However, when levels become imbalanced, it can lead to serious health complications. There are two primary types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

LDL, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can accumulate in blood vessels when present in excess. This buildup forms fatty deposits called plaques, which can narrow arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, HDL, or “good” cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, potentially reducing cardiovascular risks.

Why is cholesterol balance important?

Maintaining a healthy balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol is essential for overall cardiovascular health. While total and LDL cholesterol levels should be kept low, having higher levels of HDL cholesterol can offer protective benefits against heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol Measurement: Understanding the Numbers

Healthcare professionals measure cholesterol levels through blood tests, typically reporting results in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). These tests provide insights into total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and non-HDL fats that may contribute to heart disease risk.

Regular cholesterol screenings are crucial for monitoring cardiovascular health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults aged 20 and over should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every 4-6 years. However, individuals with higher cardiovascular risk factors may require more frequent testing.

How often should children have their cholesterol checked?

Children should undergo at least two cholesterol tests: one between ages 9-11 and another between 17-21. Children with risk factors for high cholesterol may need more frequent screenings. Early detection and management of cholesterol issues can prevent long-term health complications.

Age and Gender: How They Influence Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age, making it crucial to adopt healthy lifestyle habits early in life. Gender also plays a role in cholesterol profiles. Generally, males tend to have higher cholesterol levels throughout their lives compared to females. However, women often experience a rise in cholesterol levels after menopause.

What are the healthy cholesterol ranges for different age groups?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), healthy cholesterol levels vary by age and gender. Here’s a breakdown of recommended ranges:

• For individuals 19 or younger:
  • Total cholesterol: less than 170 mg/dl
  • Non-HDL: less than 120 mg/dl
  • LDL: less than 100 mg/dl
  • HDL: more than 45 mg/dl
• For males aged 20 or over:
  • Total cholesterol: 125-200 mg/dl
  • Non-HDL: less than 130 mg/dl
  • LDL: less than 100 mg/dl
  • HDL: 40 mg/dl or higher
• For females aged 20 or over:
  • Total cholesterol: 125-200 mg/dl
  • Non-HDL: less than 130 mg/dl
  • LDL: less than 100 mg/dl
  • HDL: 50 mg/dl or higher

Interpreting Cholesterol Levels: From Acceptable to High Risk

Understanding cholesterol test results is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health. Healthcare providers categorize cholesterol levels as acceptable, near optimal, borderline high, high, or very high. These classifications help determine the need for lifestyle changes or medical interventions.

What cholesterol levels are considered high risk for adults?

For adults aged 20 and over, the following levels are significant:

• Total cholesterol:
  • Acceptable: below 200 mg/dl
  • Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dl
  • High: 240 mg/dl or above
• LDL cholesterol:
  • Acceptable: below 100 mg/dl
  • Near optimal: 100-129 mg/dl
  • Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dl
  • High: 160-189 mg/dl
  • Very high: 190 mg/dl or over
• HDL cholesterol:
  • Desirable: 60 mg/dl and above
  • Acceptable: 40-59 mg/dl
  • Risk of heart disease: below 40 mg/dl

Cholesterol in Children: A Different Perspective

Cholesterol management is not just an adult concern. The American Academy of Pediatrics has established guidelines for cholesterol levels in children and adolescents aged 19 and below. Early detection and management of cholesterol issues in youth can prevent long-term health complications.

What are the acceptable cholesterol ranges for children?

For children and adolescents aged 19 and below, the following measures apply:

• Total cholesterol:
  • Acceptable: below 170 mg/dl
  • Borderline high: 170-199 mg/dl
  • High: 200 mg/dl or above
• LDL cholesterol:
  • Acceptable: below 100 mg/dl
  • Borderline high: 100-129 mg/dl
  • High: over 130 mg/dl

Factors Influencing Cholesterol Levels: Beyond Age and Gender

While age and gender play significant roles in cholesterol levels, various other factors can impact blood cholesterol. Understanding these influences is crucial for effective cholesterol management.

Which health conditions can affect cholesterol levels?

Certain health conditions can significantly impact cholesterol levels. For instance, type 2 diabetes often leads to increased LDL cholesterol levels. Familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition, can also result in abnormally high cholesterol levels from an early age.

How do lifestyle factors influence cholesterol?

Lifestyle choices play a crucial role in determining cholesterol levels. A diet high in saturated fats can contribute to elevated LDL cholesterol. Conversely, low levels of physical activity may lead to imbalanced cholesterol profiles. Additionally, having family members with high cholesterol can increase an individual’s risk, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in cholesterol management.

Strategies for Lowering Cholesterol: Lifestyle Modifications and Beyond

Managing cholesterol levels often begins with lifestyle changes. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends several strategies for lowering cholesterol and maintaining heart health.

What dietary changes can help lower cholesterol?

Adopting a heart-healthy diet is crucial for managing cholesterol levels. This includes:

• Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables
• Incorporating lean proteins into meals
• Choosing whole grains over refined grains
• Limiting intake of saturated fats and trans fats
• Including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish

How does physical activity impact cholesterol levels?

Regular physical activity plays a vital role in cholesterol management. The NIH recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise. This can include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Additionally, incorporating muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week can further enhance cardiovascular health.

What other lifestyle changes can help manage cholesterol?

Besides diet and exercise, other lifestyle modifications can contribute to better cholesterol management:

• Quitting smoking, as tobacco use can lower HDL cholesterol levels
• Maintaining a healthy weight, as excess body fat can increase LDL cholesterol
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or meditation
• Limiting alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking can raise triglyceride levels

It’s important to note that before starting any new exercise regimen or making significant lifestyle changes, individuals should consult with their healthcare provider. This is particularly crucial for those with existing health conditions or those taking medications that may affect cholesterol levels.

Beyond Lifestyle: Medical Interventions for Cholesterol Management

While lifestyle modifications are the first line of defense against high cholesterol, some individuals may require additional medical interventions. Healthcare providers may recommend medication when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to achieve target cholesterol levels.

What medications are commonly used to treat high cholesterol?

Several types of medications can help manage cholesterol levels:

• Statins: These drugs work by blocking a substance needed to make cholesterol in the liver.
• Bile acid sequestrants: These medications help remove cholesterol from the blood by binding to bile acids.
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These drugs reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food.
• PCSK9 inhibitors: These newer medications help the liver remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood.

The choice of medication depends on various factors, including the individual’s overall health, cholesterol levels, and risk factors for heart disease. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are essential when using cholesterol-lowering medications.

The Future of Cholesterol Management: Emerging Research and Technologies

As our understanding of cholesterol and its impact on health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new approaches to cholesterol management. From novel medications to advanced diagnostic tools, the field of lipidology is rapidly advancing.

What new treatments are being developed for cholesterol management?

Several promising areas of research are emerging in the field of cholesterol management:

• Gene therapy: Scientists are exploring ways to modify genes involved in cholesterol metabolism.
• Nanotechnology: Researchers are developing nanoparticles that can target and remove cholesterol from arteries.
• Microbiome manipulation: Studies are investigating how gut bacteria influence cholesterol levels and whether probiotic interventions can help manage cholesterol.
• Personalized medicine: Advances in genetic testing may allow for more tailored cholesterol management strategies based on an individual’s genetic profile.

While these approaches are still in various stages of research and development, they hold promise for more effective and personalized cholesterol management in the future.

How are diagnostic tools for cholesterol assessment improving?

Advancements in diagnostic technologies are enhancing our ability to assess cardiovascular risk and manage cholesterol more effectively:

• Advanced lipid testing: Beyond standard cholesterol panels, newer tests can provide detailed information about lipoprotein particle size and number, offering a more comprehensive risk assessment.
• Imaging technologies: Non-invasive imaging techniques, such as coronary artery calcium scans, can help identify early signs of atherosclerosis and guide treatment decisions.
• Genetic testing: Identifying genetic markers associated with cholesterol metabolism can help predict an individual’s risk and response to various treatments.

These advancements in diagnostics allow for more precise risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies, potentially improving outcomes in cholesterol management and cardiovascular disease prevention.

Cholesterol Management: A Lifelong Journey

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is a lifelong endeavor that requires ongoing attention and care. By understanding the factors that influence cholesterol levels and adopting a proactive approach to management, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and improve overall health.

How can individuals stay motivated in their cholesterol management journey?

Maintaining motivation for long-term cholesterol management can be challenging. Here are some strategies that can help:

• Set realistic goals: Break down larger health objectives into smaller, achievable milestones.
• Track progress: Regularly monitor cholesterol levels and celebrate improvements, no matter how small.
• Seek support: Engage family members or join support groups to share experiences and stay accountable.
• Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest research and treatment options in cholesterol management.
• Focus on overall health: Remember that cholesterol management is part of a broader commitment to cardiovascular health and well-being.

By adopting a holistic approach to health that includes regular check-ups, lifestyle modifications, and, when necessary, medical interventions, individuals can effectively manage their cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke. As research continues to advance our understanding of cholesterol and its impact on health, the future holds promise for even more effective strategies in cholesterol management and cardiovascular disease prevention.

Health ranges, what is high, and tips

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.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that nearly 94 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol. This increases a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke.

In this article, we look at how doctors measure cholesterol and the healthy levels at different stages of life. We also look at ways of lowering cholesterol and maintaining acceptable levels.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. 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 at least once every 4–6 years or more frequently if they have other cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Children should have at least one cholesterol test at age 9–11 and another one at age 17–21. However, children with risk factors for high cholesterol may need more frequent checks.

Typically, males tend to have higher levels throughout their lives than females. A male’s cholesterol levels increase with age, and a female’s 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 (mg/dl).

For adults aged 20 and over, the following levels are significant:

For HDL cholesterol, higher levels are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease:

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 adults

A doctor may classify a person’s levels as high or low, borderline, or healthy.

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.

Cholesterol levels for children

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the following measures apply for children and adolescents aged 19 and below:

Other factors that affect blood cholesterol

The 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 person’s 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 grains
• becoming more physically active
• quitting smoking, if this applies
• having a moderate weight
• managing stress

The NIH recommends consulting a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise plan. Overall, current guidelines advise people to aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise as well as muscle-strengthening exercise 2 days per week.

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 cholesterol

When lifestyle changes alone cannot bring down high cholesterol, doctors may recommend medications. The CDC reports that the following drugs and supplements can help:

• Statins: Statins keep the liver from producing cholesterol and are the most common medication for high 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 child’s cholesterol levels at least twice. If the child’s 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.

Here are some questions people often ask about cholesterol levels.

What is the target range for cholesterol levels by age?

For children and teens, borderline high total cholesterol levels are 170–199 mg/dl and borderline high LDL levels are 100–129 mg/dl. For adults aged 20 and over, borderline high total cholesterol levels are 200–239 mg/dl and borderline high LDL levels are 130–159 mg/dl. Over this is very high.

What is a serious cholesterol level?

If total cholesterol levels are 240 mg/dl or above, a doctor will consider this very high, while 200–239 mg/dl is borderline high. Very high levels of LDL are 190 mg/dl and above. HDL cholesterol levels of 40 mg/dl or less are very low and a major risk factor for heart disease.

What reduces cholesterol quickly?

Dietary measures, weight management, and exercise can all help lower cholesterol levels. A doctor may prescribe medication if the person has other cardiovascular risk factors or if their levels are very high or do not respond to lifestyle measures.

Cholesterol levels increase with age, and having high cholesterol at any age increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

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.

High Cholesterol: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Related Topics

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver makes to protect nerves and to make cell tissue and certain hormones. Your body also gets cholesterol from the food you eat. This includes eggs, meats, and dairy. There is “good” (HDL) cholesterol and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. Too much bad cholesterol (LDL) can be bad for your health.

What is the difference between “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol?

Good cholesterol is known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It removes cholesterol from the bloodstream. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol.

If your total cholesterol level is high because of a high LDL level, you may be at higher risk of heart disease or stroke. But, if your total cholesterol level is high only because of a high HDL level, you’re probably not at higher risk.

Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. When you eat more calories than your body can use, it turns the extra calories into triglycerides.

Changing your lifestyle (diet and exercise) can improve your cholesterol levels, lower LDL and triglycerides, and raise HDL.

Your ideal cholesterol level will depend on your risk for heart disease.

• Total cholesterol level – less than 200 is best, but it depends on your HDL and LDL levels.
• LDL cholesterol levels – less than 130 is best, but this depends on your risk for heart disease.
• HDL cholesterol levels – 60 or higher reduces your risk for heart disease.
• Triglycerides – less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) is best.

Symptoms of high cholesterol

Often, there are no specific symptoms of high cholesterol. You could have high cholesterol and not know it.

If you have high cholesterol, your body may store the extra cholesterol in your arteries. These are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. A buildup of cholesterol in your arteries is known as plaque. Over time, plaque can become hard and make your arteries narrow. Large deposits of plaque can completely block an artery. Cholesterol plaques can also break apart, leading to formation of a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood.

A blocked artery to the heart can cause a heart attack. A blocked artery to your brain can cause a stroke.

Many people don’t discover that they have high cholesterol until they suffer one of these life-threatening events. Some people find out through routine check-ups that include blood tests.

What causes high cholesterol?

Your liver produces cholesterol, but you also get cholesterol from food. Eating too many foods that are high in fat can increase your cholesterol level.

Being overweight and inactive also causes high cholesterol. If you are overweight, you most likely have a higher level of triglycerides. If you never exercise and aren’t active in general, it can lower your HDL (good cholesterol).

Your family history also affects your cholesterol level. Research has shown that high cholesterol tends to run in families. If you have an immediate family member who has it, you could have it, too.

Smoking also causes high cholesterol. It lowers your HDL (good cholesterol).

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

You can’t tell if you have high cholesterol without having it checked. A simple blood test will reveal your cholesterol level.

Men 35 years of age and older and women 45 years of age and older should have their cholesterol checked. Men and women 20 years of age and older who have risk factors for heart disease should have their cholesterol checked. Teens may need to be checked if they are taking certain medicines or have a strong family history of high cholesterol. Ask your doctor how often you should have your cholesterol checked.

Risk factors for heart disease include:

• Cigarette smoking
• High blood pressure
• Older age
• Having an immediate family member (parent or sibling) who has had heart disease
• Being overweight or obese
• Inactivity

Can high cholesterol be prevented or avoided?

Making healthy food choices and exercising are two ways to reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol.

Eat fewer foods with saturated fats (such as red meat and most dairy products). Choose healthier fats. This includes lean meats, avocados, nuts, and low-fat dairy items. Avoid foods that contain trans fat (such as fried and packaged foods). Look for foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These foods include salmon, herring, walnuts, and almonds. Some egg brands contain omega-3.

Exercise can be simple. Go for a walk. Take a yoga class. Ride your bike to work. You could even participate in a team sport. Aim to get 30 minutes of activity every day.

High cholesterol treatment

If you have high cholesterol, you may need to make some lifestyle changes. If you smoke, quit. Exercise regularly. If you’re overweight, losing just five to 10 pounds can improve your cholesterol levels and your risk for heart disease. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish.

Depending on your risk factors, your doctor may prescribe medicine and lifestyle changes.

Living with high cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol, you are twice as likely to develop heart disease. That is why it is important to have your cholesterol levels checked, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Reducing your LDL “bad cholesterol” through good diet, exercise, and medicine can make a positive impact on your overall health.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Am I at risk for heart disease?
• How often should I get my cholesterol tested?
• What are my cholesterol levels? Are they high?
• What lifestyle changes do I need to make to help improve my cholesterol levels and heart health?
• Do I need cholesterol medicine?
• What are the side effects of the medicine?

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cholesterol

National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Cholesterol

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

09. 01.2017 17:28

Elena Slobodyan

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

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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:

Norms of blood cholesterol in men by age

Norms of blood cholesterol in women by age

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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Cholesterol is the norm in the elderly and the reasons for the increase

Cholesterol is an integral part of the nerves, human brain and cell membranes. Also, this substance directly affects the production of hormones, including testosterone. Doctors believe that an increase in blood cholesterol levels can lead to complications and vascular diseases.

The level of a substance in the blood is determined by many factors, which include gender, lifestyle, amount of physical activity, diet and age of the person.

Cholesterol norms

The cholesterol norm for women after 50 and the cholesterol norm for men after 60 are determined separately. In general, it depends not only on gender, but also on age. An elevated cholesterol level does not characterize itself in any way, and it cannot be determined in any way without a blood test.

Blood test includes:

• Total cholesterol level. This indicator is the sum of the amount of low-density and high-density fatty proteins that circulate in the blood.
• Low density lipoproteins (LDL). These are complexes responsible for the supply of cholesterol to the cells of tissues and organs. Almost insoluble and in the process of transmission they lose cholesterol crystals, which remain on the walls of blood vessels and form unfavorable plaques.
• High density lipoproteins (HDL). They do not lose the substance, but, on the contrary, they pick up the remains from the blood, which are transferred to the liver for disposal from the human intestine. The high molecular level allows them to attract cholesterol particles not only from blood vessels, but also from fatty plaques.
• Triglycerides.

In old age, people do the right thing by trying to reduce the level of the substance, as this will help inhibit the development of atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, as well as stroke.

Norms for men

Cholesterol norm for men after 50 in terms of LDL, mmol / l:

• 50–55 years – from 2.31 to 5.10;
• 55-60 years – from 2.28 to 5.26.

Cholesterol norm in men after 50 in terms of HDL, mmol / l:

• 50-55 years – from 0.72 to 1.63;
• 55-50 years – from 0.72 to 1.84.

Cholesterol norm in men after 60 in terms of LDL, mmol / l:

• 60–65 years old – from 2.15 to 5.44;
• 65-70 years – from 2.54 to 5.44;
• over 70 years old – from 2.49 to 5.34.

Cholesterol norm in men after 60 in terms of HDL, mmol / l:

• 60–65 years old – from 0.78 to 1.91;
• 65-70 years – 0.78 to 1.94;
• over 70 years old – from 0.80 to 1.94.

Norm for women

Cholesterol norm in women after 50 in terms of LDL, mmol / l:

• 50–55 years – from 2.28 to 5.21;
• 55-60 years – from 2. 31 to 5.44;
• 60-65 years – from 2.59 to 5.80;
• 65-70 years – from 2.38 to 5.72;
• over 70 years old – from 2.49 to 5.34.

Cholesterol norm in women after 50 in terms of HDL, mmol / l:

• 50-55 years – from 0.96 to 2.38;
• 55-60 years – from 0.96 to 2.35;
• 60-65 years – from 0.98 to 2.38;
• 65-70 years – from 0.91 to 2.48;
• over 70 years old – from 0.85 to 2.38.

The derived norms for men and women are the average result of a blood test from a huge number of people. The results were published by one of the Eurolab clinics, but people who most often had any chronic diseases took part in the analyzes. In old age, most of the elderly suffer from diseases.

And therefore the range of some values ​​may be too wide. Take a guideline is on the rules more stringent. In addition, a person will be able to determine his norm only after consulting with a specialist and after taking a blood test to check the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Causes of elevated cholesterol levels

Among the most common causes are lack of exercise and poor diet. Older people can also unknowingly raise their cholesterol due to certain medications. Hereditary diseases and hormones also play a role. But each of the factors must be considered separately.

1. Wrong diet. Older people need to consume less sugar and it is best to follow a low-carb diet, exclude fried and processed foods from the diet.
2. Obesity. This is an obvious factor that affects the risk of diseases associated with the heart and blood vessels. Weight loss lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
3. Low mobility. Even in old age, people should exercise, as physical activity also helps to reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol.
4. Age. The older the person, the higher the level of the substance in the blood. Before menopause, women have significantly lower levels than men.
5. Hereditary diseases. Some of them directly affect the increase in blood cholesterol, but such genetic diseases are quite rare.
6. Medicinal preparations. Many of them are sold in pharmacies without a prescription and lower the level of “good” HDL cholesterol.

Diabetes mellitus, kidney and liver diseases, thyroid hormones also affect the level.

Ways to Lower Cholesterol

To lower your blood cholesterol, follow these simple guidelines for gradual lifestyle changes:

1. Eat a low-carbohydrate diet.
2. Add more cheese, meat and eggs to your diet, as these foods increase “good” cholesterol.
3. Try to avoid whole grains, as gluten adversely affects the human body.
4. Do not overdo fruit.
5. Create a workout schedule for half an hour once a day.
6. Eat foods high in fiber.
7. Give up alcohol and bad habits.

Even the level of stress in the everyday life of older people influences its content.