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When is cholesterol considered high?
Elevated levels of fats in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides, increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other diseases because these elevations narrow or block blood vessels. As a result, doctors recommend monitoring cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body to ensure remaining within the normal range. This article will explain, “When is cholesterol considered high and dangerous?” 🙁1)
When is cholesterol considered high?
Answering the question requires some clarification first. There are three different measures of cholesterol: total cholesterol, the elevation of its level indicates an increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, when its levels are high, the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases are increased; and finally high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as “good” cholesterol, which signifies a reduced risk of diseases when its levels are high. (1)
This means that elevated levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol pose a risk to the body’s health, while low HDL cholesterol levels also pose a health risk. However, more details of the question are provided in the following table, which illustrates the normal and elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL): (1)(2)(3)
| Normal Levels | Permissible Upper Limit | Elevated Levels | Very High Levels | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | Less than 200 | 200 - 239 | Higher than 240 | |
| LDL Cholesterol | Less than 100 | 130 - 159 | 160 - 189 | Higher than 190 |
| HDL Cholesterol | Higher than 60 | 40 - 60 | Less than 40 |
Dear reader, you can determine your cholesterol levels by undergoing analysis at any of Al-Borg Diagnostics branches or by choosing the Lipid Care program. Rest assured that you will receive excellent and highly efficient service and accurate results.
Do cholesterol levels get affected by any factors?
Yes, we can say that normal cholesterol levels vary with gender and age. For example, cholesterol levels increase with age and are generally higher in males than females. This means that these factors slightly influence the cholesterol level.
For more specific details, we will provide the following table that illustrates the normal cholesterol levels for both genders at different age stages in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL): (4)(5)
| Females aged 20 years or older | Males aged 20 years or older | Males and females aged 19 years or younger | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125 - 200 | 125 - 200 | Less than 170 | Total Cholesterol |
| Less than 100 | Less than 100 | Less than 100 | LDL Cholesterol |
| Higher than 50 | Higher than 40 | Higher than 45 | HDL Cholesterol |
What should you do if you have high cholesterol levels?
Seeing high cholesterol levels in your results can be concerning, but you must consult a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment plan. Some cases may require lifestyle changes alone, while others may need medications, medical interventions, and lifestyle modifications. Continue reading for essential tips to manage cholesterol levels: (3)(5)(6)
- Engage in regular physical exercise, aiming for at least 30 minutes daily.
- Quit smoking and all tobacco products.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Make changes to your diet, including reducing foods that increase LDL cholesterol levels, such as fatty meats, pastries, cakes, cookies, butter, lard, and solid cheeses.
- Focus on foods supporting HDL cholesterol levels, such as fish, nuts, brown rice, whole grain bread, and pasta.
- Practice stress management and anxiety control techniques.
- Undergo regular screening for blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
- Take medications and supplements as prescribed by the doctor, which may include statin medications, niacin supplements, and omega-3 fatty acids.
References:
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-cholesterol-and-lipids-beyond-the-basics/print#:~:text=A%20total%20cholesterol%20level%20of,mmol%2FL)
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/lipid-panel
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/cholesterol-levels/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315900#levels-and-age
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11920-cholesterol-numbers-what-do-they-mean
- https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterollevelswhatyouneedtoknow.html
