How Much Normal Cholesterol? Here are the Numbers to Watch Out for as You Age

Illustration of blood tests to find out cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age and need to be monitored through periodic blood tests. Illustration photo: Pexels.

JAKARTA - Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age. Cholesterol buildup in the blood vessels does not cause symptoms that can be felt, but can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

USA TODAY quoted Sunday, August 16, saying cholesterol is actually needed by the body to form cells and a number of hormones. However, too high levels can accumulate in the walls of the arteries and form plaques that make the blood vessels narrow and harden.

"Cholesterol is a risk factor that does not cause symptoms. You can't feel cholesterol building up in your arteries," said Lisa Young, registered dietitian and adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University, as quoted by USA TODAY.

According to Young, periodic blood tests are the only way to know a person's cholesterol levels.

In men, LDL or bad cholesterol levels tend to increase until around the age of 60, then slowly decrease.

In women, cholesterol levels are generally lower than men until menopause, around the age of 50 to 55 years. After that, levels often increase and can exceed men.

This change is influenced by, among other things, the liver's decreased ability to process and remove cholesterol. Hormonal changes, including a decrease in estrogen during menopause, as well as an increase in fat in the abdomen also play a role.

Cholesterol levels are known through a blood test called a lipid profile. This examination includes measuring LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

For healthy adults, Young said the optimal LDL level is below 100 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL. A figure of 100 to 129 mg/dL is considered close to optimal, while 160 mg/dL or more is considered high.

For HDL or good cholesterol, a level of 40 mg/dL or more is considered healthy for men. In women, the healthy limit is 50 mg/dL or more.

Triglycerides are considered normal if they are below 150 mg/dL and high if they reach 200 mg/dL or more.

Meanwhile, the ideal total cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL. A figure of 240 mg/dL or more is considered high.

Young said LDL levels of 190 mg/dL or more are in the very high category, regardless of age or other risk factors.

According to Young, at this level, the drug is usually immediately recommended.

If total cholesterol is above 290 mg/dL, he recommends discussing the possibility of genetic testing with a doctor, especially if there is a history of early heart disease in the family.