Cholesterol Range by Age

Cholesterol is found in each and every cell of our body. Cholesterol is a water repelling compound and so it does not get dissolved in the bloodstream. It is a waxy steroid metabolite. It is required for the proper functioning of the body. It is required for the production of vitamin D, hormones and bile juices. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol are the two types of cholesterol. Simple blood test helps measure cholesterol levels in the body. The ideal LDL:HDL ratio and the ideal cholesterol levels are same for all ages.

Normal Cholesterol Range
According to The American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines, the cholesterol numbers that indicate normal, borderline and high cholesterol in the body are:

• Normal Blood Cholesterol: < 200 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 200 - 239 mg/dL
• High Cholesterol: >240 mg/dL

But knowing this much is not enough. You need to maintain a correct LDL:HDL ratio. The following cholesterol level charts would explain the desired and undesired numbers regarding LDL, HDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol in the body.

LDL Cholesterol Range Chart
Excessive LDL cholesterol or low density lipoprotein sticks to the walls of arteries, leading to atherosclerosis or heart diseases. Obstruction in blood circulation can cause heart attacks and strokes. Following a low cholesterol diet is necessary, if you have high LDL cholesterol.

LDL Cholesterol Range Chart
Less than 100	Optimal Level
100 - 129	Close to Optimal
130 - 159	Borderline High
160 - 189	High
190 or higher	Very High

HDL Cholesterol Range Chart
Along with aging, you are supposed to raise the HDL cholesterol. HDL plays an important role in lowering the bad cholesterol or LDL levels in the body. People diagnosed with obesity, coronary heart diseases or diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. They especially need to increase HDL levels to reduce the risk of heart diseases and strokes.

HDL Cholesterol Range Chart
60 or Higher	Optimal
40 - 59	Close to Optimal
Less than 40	High Risk

Triglycerides Range Chart
Levels of Triglycerides (TG) are always tested along with cholesterol levels. High levels of triglycerides also increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Though they help in blood clotting, triglycerides lower the levels of HDL in the body.

Triglycerides Range Chart
Less than 150	Optimal Goal
150 - 199	Borderline High
200 - 499	High
500 or Higher	Very High

Total Cholesterol Range Chart
The total amount of LDL, HDL, and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) constitute total cholesterol in the body.

Total Cholesterol Range Chart
Less than 200	Optimal Goal
200 - 239	Borderline High
240 or Higher	High

LDL Cholesterol Goals and Risk Factors
Maintaining low levels of LDL and high levels of HDL is essential if you want to lead a healthy and active life. High levels of LDL increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and stroke. The ideal cholesterol range by age may vary slightly as your LDL cholesterol goal depends on how many other risk factors (diabetes, coronary heart diseases, obesity, etc.) you have. The risk of high cholesterol is ascertained by taking into account your age, sex, family history, weight, blood pressure and lifestyle habits. Along with aging, the influence of risk factors increases. Therefore healthy cholesterol levels by age may differ slightly. But there cannot be a fixed cholesterol chart by age or fixed numbers indicating cholesterol range by age. Children with diabetes or heart problems or obese children also need to watch for LDL, HDL levels.

Risk Factors	LDL Cholesterol Goal
No coronary heart disease, No diabetes, Have one or no other risk factors	Less than 160 mg/dL
No coronary heart disease, No diabetes, Have two or more risk factors	Less than 130 mg/dL.
Have coronary heart disease or diabetes	Less than 100 mg/dL

Cholesterol Ratio
There cannot be cholesterol ratio by age. The desired cholesterol ratio may change slightly according to the risk factors, as explained above. Here follows the information regarding ideal cholesterol ratio:

Total Cholesterol/HDL: The ideal cholesterol ratio of total cholesterol and HDL is 3.5:1.

HDL/LDL: 0.4:1 is the ideal cholesterol ratio for HDL/LDL.

LDL/HDL: The ideal cholesterol ratio of LDL/HDL is 2.5:1

Statistics show that more than a million Americans die of heart disease each year. High cholesterol levels in the blood is the major cause of heart diseases. Reducing the amount of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and total fat in the diet can help maintain healthy blood cholesterol level. Aging and lifestyle affect blood cholesterol levels. As you were looking for cholesterol range by age, I would like to tell you that if you want to control high cholesterol, avoid tobacco and alcohol. Follow a healthy low fat, low sugar diet, get regular physical activity and maintain a healthy weight. You may keep a list of good cholesterol sources handy and take necessary steps to control disorders like diabetes and blood pressure. You can minimize the risk factors for various diseases and disorders by maintaining normal cholesterol levels.