Cholesterol is a type of fat. Your body needs it from foods to function properly. However, extra cholesterol that isn’t used by your body builds up in blood vessel walls and causes blood vessel blockages. The cholesterol level we talk about include LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
Therefore, your cholesterol level is worth your attention. As you grow older, cholesterol accumulates in your body and your cholesterol level increases. Adults in all age groups share the same cholesterol level chart, while children have a different one. The amount of cholesterol normal for children is lower than for adults.
Chart of total cholesterol level in adults and children:
Your total cholesterol level is the overall amount of cholesterol found in your blood. It consists of two parts: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
| Total Cholesterol | |||
| (mg/dl) | Ideal | Borderline High | Optimal |
| Adult | <200 | 201-239 | >240 |
| Child | <170 | 170-199 | >200 |
Chart of LDL cholesterol in adults and children – Culprit of Blood Vessel Blockages:
LDL is also called “bad” cholesterol because it causes blood vessel blockages and increases your risk of heart disease. The lower your LDL cholesterol level is, the better.
| LDL Cholesterol | |||||
| (mg/dl) | Optimal | Acceptable * | Borderline High | High | Very High |
| Adult | <100 | 100-129 | 130-159 | 160-189 | >190 |
| Child | – | <110 | 110-129 | >130 | – |
| *LDL 100-129 is acceptable for normal people but may be a concern for those with heart disease or heart disease risk factors. | |||||
Chart of HDL cholesterol – “good” cholesterol:
In doctors’ eyes, HDL is the “good” cholesterol because it helps protect you from heart disease. The higher your HDL is, the better.
| HDL Cholesterol | |||
| (mg/dl) | Risk Low | Borderline Low | Optimal |
| Adult | <=40 | 41-59 | >=60 |
Chart of triglycerides:
Finally, total cholesterol also includes triglycerides. Triglyceride is another type of fat that can build up in the body. For example, high levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL raise your risk for heart disease.
| Triglycerides | ||||
| (mg/dl) | Risk Low | Mildly High | High | Very High |
| Adult | <150 | 150-199 | 200-499 | >=500 |
In fact, by taking care of your cholesterol level, you are preventing possible blood vessel blockages and working for your own health and your family’s happeniness. Keep working!
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