What are healthy cholesterol levels for different age groups. How can high cholesterol be managed effectively. Why is maintaining optimal cholesterol levels important for overall health.

Decoding Cholesterol: Types and Their Significance

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) – often referred to as “bad” cholesterol
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – known as “good” cholesterol

When LDL cholesterol levels are too high, it can accumulate in blood vessels, forming plaques that increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Conversely, higher levels of HDL cholesterol may help reduce these risks by removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

The Impact of High Cholesterol

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 94 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol. This staggering statistic underscores the importance of understanding and managing cholesterol levels. But what exactly constitutes “high” cholesterol?

For adults aged 20 and over, total cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL are considered high. LDL cholesterol levels above 160 mg/dL fall into the high category, while levels above 190 mg/dL are classified as very high. These elevated levels significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Cholesterol Health Ranges Across Different Age Groups

Cholesterol levels naturally vary with age, weight, and sex. As we age, our cholesterol levels tend to increase, making regular monitoring crucial. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides guidelines for healthy cholesterol levels across different age groups:

For Adults (20 years and older):

• 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 males, 50 mg/dL or higher for females

For Children and Adolescents (19 years and 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

It’s important to note that these ranges are general guidelines. Individual health factors and family history may influence what’s considered optimal for each person.

The Importance of Regular Cholesterol Checks

Regular cholesterol checks are essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. The CDC recommends that adults aged 20 or over should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every 4-6 years. However, individuals with risk factors for heart disease may need more frequent screenings.

For children, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests at least one cholesterol test between ages 9-11 and another between 17-21. Children with risk factors for high cholesterol may require more frequent monitoring.

Why Early Detection Matters

Early detection of high cholesterol is crucial because it allows for timely intervention. Years of unmanaged high cholesterol can be challenging to treat and may lead to severe health complications. By identifying and addressing elevated cholesterol levels early, individuals can take proactive steps to improve their cardiovascular health and reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.

Factors Influencing Cholesterol Levels

While age is a significant factor in cholesterol levels, several other elements can impact your cholesterol profile:

1. Gender: Males typically have higher cholesterol levels throughout their lives compared to females.
2. Menopause: Women often experience an increase in cholesterol levels after menopause.
3. Health conditions: Certain conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and familial hypercholesterolemia, can raise LDL cholesterol levels.
4. Diet: A diet high in saturated fats can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels.
5. Physical activity: Low levels of exercise may lead to higher cholesterol.
6. Genetics: Family history of high cholesterol increases an individual’s risk.

Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed decisions about their lifestyle and health management strategies.

Strategies for Lowering Cholesterol Levels

Managing cholesterol levels is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. The NIH recommends several strategies for lowering cholesterol:

1. Heart-Healthy Diet

Adopting a diet rich in heart-healthy foods can significantly impact cholesterol levels. This includes:

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Lean proteins
• Whole grains
• Foods high in soluble fiber
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Reducing intake of saturated fats and trans fats is also crucial in managing cholesterol levels.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Increasing physical activity can help raise HDL cholesterol levels while lowering LDL levels. The current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, along with muscle-strengthening activities twice a week. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen, especially for those with existing health conditions.

3. Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight can positively impact cholesterol levels. Even modest weight loss can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol.

4. Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking can improve HDL cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. Smoking cessation also reduces the risk of various other health complications.

5. Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact cholesterol levels. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can be beneficial.

The Role of Medication in Cholesterol Management

While lifestyle changes are the first line of defense against high cholesterol, sometimes medication may be necessary. Statins are the most commonly prescribed drugs for lowering cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol.

Other medications that may be prescribed include:

• Bile acid sequestrants
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
• Injectable medications (for those with familial hypercholesterolemia)

The decision to start medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account individual risk factors and overall health status.

Beyond Numbers: The Broader Picture of Cardiovascular Health

While managing cholesterol levels is crucial, it’s important to view it as part of a larger cardiovascular health strategy. Other factors that contribute to heart health include:

• Blood pressure management
• Blood sugar control
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Regular physical activity
• Stress management
• Adequate sleep

By addressing all these factors, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke, leading to improved overall health and longevity.

The Importance of Regular Check-ups

Regular health check-ups are essential for monitoring cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. These check-ups allow healthcare providers to detect any changes early and adjust treatment plans accordingly. They also provide an opportunity for individuals to discuss any concerns or questions they may have about their health.

During these check-ups, healthcare providers may also assess other risk factors for heart disease, such as family history, lifestyle habits, and other health conditions. This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals receive personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and risk profile.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Cholesterol Management

The field of cholesterol management is constantly evolving, with new research providing insights into more effective strategies for prevention and treatment. Some areas of ongoing research include:

1. Personalized Medicine

Advances in genetic testing are paving the way for more personalized approaches to cholesterol management. By understanding an individual’s genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, healthcare providers can tailor treatments more effectively.

2. Novel Medications

Researchers are continually working on developing new medications to manage cholesterol levels. For example, PCSK9 inhibitors represent a newer class of drugs that can dramatically lower LDL cholesterol levels, particularly in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia or those who don’t respond well to statins.

3. Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods

There’s growing interest in the role of nutraceuticals and functional foods in cholesterol management. Substances like plant sterols, certain probiotics, and specific dietary fibers are being studied for their potential cholesterol-lowering effects.

4. Lifestyle Interventions

Research continues to refine our understanding of how lifestyle factors impact cholesterol levels. This includes investigating the effects of different dietary patterns, exercise regimens, and stress-reduction techniques on cholesterol management.

As research progresses, it’s likely that we’ll see more sophisticated and targeted approaches to managing cholesterol levels, leading to improved outcomes for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Empowering Individuals: Taking Control of Cholesterol Health

Managing cholesterol levels effectively requires a proactive approach. Here are some steps individuals can take to take control of their cholesterol health:

1. Know Your Numbers

Regular cholesterol checks are crucial. Knowing your cholesterol levels allows you to track changes over time and take action when necessary.

2. Educate Yourself

Stay informed about cholesterol management strategies and the latest research. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Work with your healthcare provider to set realistic goals for your cholesterol levels. These goals should take into account your overall health status and risk factors.

4. Make Sustainable Lifestyle Changes

Rather than drastic short-term changes, focus on making sustainable lifestyle modifications. Small, consistent changes in diet and physical activity can have a significant impact over time.

5. Be Consistent with Medication

If prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication, take it as directed. Consistency is key to achieving and maintaining optimal cholesterol levels.

6. Seek Support

Managing cholesterol levels can be challenging. Don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends, or support groups. Many people find that having a support system makes it easier to stick to healthy habits.

By taking these steps and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can effectively manage their cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. Remember, cholesterol management is a long-term commitment to health, but the benefits in terms of reduced risk of heart disease and improved overall well-being are well worth the effort.

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.