Normal Cholesterol Levels in Adults and Children

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in our blood that helps us reduce heart attack or stroke. Normal Cholesterol Levels refer to the minimum amount of cholesterol that has to be present in a person. It is this minimum level of cholesterol that helps the cell membranes form layers. These layers are what protect the contents of the cells like gatekeepers.

Two Types of Cholesterol

• Low-density lipoprotein (LPL) or Bad cholesterol – Too much LPL in your blood vessels will form up fatty deposits called Plaque. These plaques can cause heart attacks or strokes.
• High-density lipoprotein (HPL) or Good cholesterol – A sufficient amount of HPL in your blood can help lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Cholesterol Levels and Age

Cholesterol levels tend to increase with growing age. Taking preventive measures early in life can help maintain a healthy lifestyle later in life. Children are less likely to have high cholesterol and are advised by doctors to get their cholesterol twice before they turn 18. Typically, men tend to have more cholesterol than compared to women throughout their lives. A male’s cholesterol level rises with age, whereas the cholesterol level rises after menopause for women.

Cholesterol Levels in Men and Women

Anyone aged 19 or younger must have a sum of less than 170 mg/dl of total cholesterol, less than 45 mg/dl of HDL cholesterol, and less than 100 mg/dl of LDL cholesterol. Men at the age of 20 or more must have a sum of 125 to 200 mg/dl of total cholesterol, 40 mg/dl or higher level of HDL cholesterol, and less than 100 mg/dl of LDL cholesterol. Women aged 20 or more must have a sum of 125 to 200 mg/dl of total cholesterol, 50 mg/dl or higher level of HDL cholesterol, and less than 100 mg/dl of LDL cholesterol.

Recommended Cholesterol Levels

Keeping growing age aside, Cholesterol levels usually vary on the kind of lifestyle factors and one’s health conditions.

Cholesterol Levels in Adults

A doctor may classify the level of cholesterol in an adult as high or low, borderline, or healthy.

Total Cholesterol Levels in Adults

<200 mg/dl is healthy for adults.

Doctors treat 200 to 239 mg/dl as borderline high and anything more than 240 as high cholesterol.

LDL Cholesterol in Adults

Normally, it must be <100 in adults, though doctors don’t make an issue for people with no health issues, even if it is at 100 to 129 mg/dl. If a person’s reading is 130 to 159 mg/dl, the doctors classify it as borderline high, while 160 to 189 mg/dl readings are considered high. A measurement of 190 mg/dl or higher is considered very high.

HDL Cholesterol in Adults

Doctors recommend a high HDL cholesterol level in adults. People with a reading of <40 mg/dl might risk heart disease.

If a person has a reading of 41 to 59 mg/dl, it is considered borderline low by the doctors. The ideal HDL level is 60 mg/dl or above.

Cholesterol Levels in Children

It is considered by doctors to be borderline high if the cholesterol level is 170 to 199 mg/dl, and a reading of 200 mg/dl is as high. Children should have a cholesterol level of < 170 mg/dl.

LDL cholesterol should be below 110 mg/dl. Levels between 110–129 mg/dl are considered borderline high, while readings above 130 mg/dl are classified as high.

Good Range for HDL and LDL?

HDL cholesterol level must be 60 mg/dl or higher for adults. LDL cholesterol levels should be <100 in adults. For children, LDL cholesterol levels should be below 110 mg/dl. HDL cholesterol levels should be < 170 mg/dl.

Worst Foods for High Cholesterol?

Although it is suggested by some doctors to avoid high-cholesterol foods, there are some foods that are high in cholesterol and still good for your health.

But there are some foods that have to be completely avoided for better health.

Full-Fat Dairy

Limiting ourselves to about 85 grams of cheese per week can help us in avoiding the extra sodium from entering our bodies.

Red Meat

Steak, beef roast, ribs, pork chops, and ground beef mostly contain high saturated fat and cholesterol content. It is better to avoid intaking red meat as much as possible.

Processed Meat

Processed meat must be avoided in general due to the high sodium content and low nutrition content in them.

Fried Foods

Fried foods generally contain high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol due to the oil that they are cooked in.

Baked Goods and Sweets

Baked goods and sweets mostly contain butter or shortening, which makes them high in fat and cholesterol which is very bad for our health. Instead, it is recommended to make the deserts at home in a healthy manner.

How Often Should You Check Your Cholesterol?

The frequency of cholesterol tests depends on factors like age, family history, heart disease risk, and sex. Your doctor will provide recommendations based on your individual health requirements.

General Guidelines:

Children:

• First test between ages 9-11, then every 5 years.
• Earlier testing if there’s a family history of high cholesterol.

Adults:

Males:

• 20-44 years: Every 5 years
• 45-65 years: Every 1-2 years
• 65+ years: Every year

Females:

• 20-54 years: Every 5 years
• 55-65 years: Every 1-2 years
• 65+ years: Every year

People with a family history, heart disease, or risk factors may need more frequent tests. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.

How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Regulating your cholesterol levels is vital for maintaining heart health. Here are some simple ways to maintain balanced cholesterol:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet – Add fiber-rich foods, whole grains, and healthy fats to your meals while avoiding saturated and processed foods.
• Stay active – Involve in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 150 minutes every week.
• Maintain a healthy weight – Managing your weight can help control cholesterol levels.
• Quit smoking – Smoking lowers good cholesterol (HDL) and increases bad cholesterol (LDL).
• Limit alcohol consumption – Excessive alcohol intake can raise total cholesterol.
• Manage stress – Persistent stress can lead to elevated LDL cholesterol levels.
• Consult your doctor – Some medications can affect cholesterol; discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medication, with statins being the most common option.

When to See a Doctor

For Children:

Children should have their cholesterol checked at least twice before age 18. More frequent tests may be needed if there’s a family history of heart disease, obesity, or other health risks.

For Adults:

Adults 20 and older should check their cholesterol every 4–6 years. More frequent tests may be needed if they:

• Have high or borderline cholesterol
• Are overweight
• Have a family history of heart disease
• Smoke or have a poor diet
• Are inactive or have diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure

Since high cholesterol has no symptoms, regular monitoring is key to preventing serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes.

Frequently Asked Questions