Recommended total cholesterol levels are under 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for adults and under 170 mg/dL for children. Females typically need more HDL (good) cholesterol than males.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance your liver makes. Your body produces all of the cholesterol that it needs to function. However, cholesterol is also found in certain foods.
According to the
Keep reading to learn more about the recommended cholesterol levels by age.
Language matters
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to the sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
A healthcare professional will use a lipid panel blood test to measure the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. This is known as total cholesterol, which consists of three lipids:
- Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) carry cholesterol through your bloodstream. LDL is called “bad” cholesterol because high amounts can form plaques in your blood vessels, increasing your risk for heart disease.
- High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) help protect you from heart disease. HDL is called “good” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol back to your liver, which is then excreted from your body.
- Triglycerides are another type of fat that could build up in your body. They’re the “building blocks” of cholesterol.
High levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL raise your risk for heart disease.
The
According to the 2018 guidelines on the management of blood cholesterol published in the
All values are in mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and are based on fasting measurements.
| Total cholesterol | HDL cholesterol | LDL cholesterol | Triglycerides | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Less than 200 (the lower, the better) | Ideal is 60 or higher; but, 40+ for males or 50+ for females is acceptable | Less than 100; below 70 if coronary artery disease is present | Less than 149; ideal is under 100 |
| Borderline to moderately elevated | 200–239 | n/a | 130–159 | 150–199 |
| High | 240 or higher | 60 or higher | 160 or higher; 190 is considered very high | 200 or higher; 500 is considered very high |
| Low | n/a | less than 40 for men and less than 50 for women | n/a | n/a |
Guidelines are similar for males and females over the age of 20 years. However, they may differ when it comes to HDL cholesterol, as seen above. Females should aim for higher levels of HDL cholesterol.
Several factors may affect a child’s risk of having high cholesterol, including:
- physical activity
- eating a nutrient-dense diet
- having overweight
- having a family history of high cholesterol
The CDC recommends children have their cholesterol checked between ages
According to the
| Total cholesterol | HDL cholesterol | LDL cholesterol | Triglycerides | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | 170 or less | Greater than 45 | Less than 110 | Less than 75 in children 0–9; less than 90 in children 10–19 |
| Borderline | 170–199 | 40-45 | 110–129 | 75–99 in children 0–9; 90–129 in children 10–19 |
| High | 200 or higher | n/a | 130 or higher | 100 or more in children 0–9; 130 or more in children 10–19 |
| Low | n/a | Less than 40 | n/a | n/a |
A healthcare professional may recommend a treatment plan for high cholesterol. This will vary based on factors like other medications you may be taking, your age, sex, and general health.
Your treatment plan may include lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as medication.
Some medications commonly prescribed for high cholesterol include:
- statins
- bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine
- cholesterol absorption inhibitors, such as ezetimibe (Zetia)
- bempedoic acid, such as Nexletol
- PCSK9 inhibitors
Medications can also be used to treat contributing factors to cholesterol like triglycerides. These may be used in addition to some of the medications above.
Some lifestyle changes are reasonably effective in helping you reduce cholesterol levels. They’re also fairly straightforward and can be done at any age and within most abilities.
Here are some lifestyle changes that could help reduce your cholesterol levels:
- get at least 150 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity exercise each week
- eat more fiber, such as whole grains
- eat more healthy fats
- limit saturated fatty foods
- limit processed foods
- eat a heart-healthy diet
- quit smoking, if you smoke
- limit your alcohol intake
- get to a healthy-for-you-weight
There are few noticeable symptoms of high cholesterol. Emergency symptoms such as a stroke or heart attack may be the only indicator of damage from high cholesterol. This means that regular monitoring by a doctor is essential.
Most people should get their cholesterol checked with a blood test every 4–6 years. However, a doctor may recommend more frequent screening if any of the
- history of heart conditions
- family history of high cholesterol
- diet is high in trans and saturated fats
- smoking
- being inactive
- diabetes
- obesity
- menopause
- high blood pressure
What is normal LDL for a 70-year-old?
Adults should keep their total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL and their LDL levels below 100 mg/dL.
What range should your HDL and LDL be?
A healthy LDL range for adults is 100 mg/dL or lower. A healthy HDL range for adult males is 40 mg/dL and for adult females 50 mg/dL.
Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance that is created by your liver. It’s essential for bodily functions. However, high levels of cholesterol may increase your risk of developing certain health conditions.
People ages 19 or younger should aim to have a total cholesterol of 170 mg/dL or less, while adults should aim for 200 mg/dL or less.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you need help lowering your cholesterol levels. They can help develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.