health topics

What Is a Normal Cholesterol Level by Age?

Adults should aim for total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol below 130 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol above 60 mg/dL, triglycerides below 150 mg/dL, and non-HDL cholesterol below 160 mg/dL. Normal cholesterol levels vary for seniors and children.
Adults should aim for total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol below 130 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol above 60 mg/dL, triglycerides below 150 mg/dL, and non-HDL cholesterol below 160 mg/dL. Normal cholesterol levels vary for seniors and children. 

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that functions in the body to help support cell membranes, manufacture hormones, aid in digestion, and convert vitamin D in the skin.

About 75% of the cholesterol in the body is naturally produced in the liver, and the remaining 25% of cholesterol comes from foods we eat. 

Normal cholesterol levels may vary slightly by age. Cholesterol scores usually contain three measurements:

  • Low density lipoproteins (LDL)
    • “Bad” cholesterol
    • Too much LDL can build up in the artery walls and form plaque that narrows arteries and restricts blood flow, which lead to coronary artery disease
    • High levels of LDL cholesterol mean a person has an increased risk of stroke and heart attack
  • High density lipoproteins (HDL) 
    • “Good” cholesterol
    • HDL removes LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and the artery walls
    • A higher HDL score is desirable 
  • Triglycerides 
    • The most common form of fat in the body
    • Can be an energy source
    • A high triglyceride level can mean a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease

Cholesterol Levels for Adults

Adults who do not have heart disease should aim for the following cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol Levels for Adults Chart
Cholesterol Level What It Means
Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL
  • Levels above 200 mg/dL are considered high and mean a higher risk for developing heart disease
LDL cholesterol below 130 mg/dL
  • Or much lower for those at risk of heart attacks or stroke
HDL cholesterol above 60 mg/dL
  • HDL levels of 60 mg/dL and higher can help reduce the risk for heart disease
  • HDL levels of 40 mg/dL and lower are considered a risk factor for developing heart disease
Triglycerides below 150 mg/dL
  • Levels higher than 150 mg/dL increase the risk of developing heart disease and metabolic syndrome, which is also a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
Non-HDL cholesterol below 160 mg/dL
  • This is the total cholesterol minus the HDL cholesterol
  • Or lower for those at risk of heart attacks or stroke

Cholesterol Levels for Seniors

Normal cholesterol levels for seniors are listed below.

Normal Cholesterol Levels for Seniors Chart
Total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dl
LDL cholesterol level below 100 mg/dl
HDL cholesterol level above 40 mg/dl for men or 50 mg/dl for women

 Cholesterol Levels for Children

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines recommended ranges of total and LDL cholesterol for children and teenagers age 2 to 18 years old are outlined below.

Normal Cholesterol Levels for Children Chart
Normal
  • Total cholesterol below 170 mg/dL
  • LDL cholesterol below 110 mg/dL
Borderline
  • Total cholesterol between 170 to 199 mg/dL
  • LDL cholesterol between 110 to 129 mg/dL
High
  • Total cholesterol 200 mg/dL or greater
  • LDL cholesterol 130 mg/dL or greater

How Are Cholesterol Levels Measured?

A cholesterol test (also called a lipid panel or lipid profile) is a type of blood test used to measure cholesterol levels. 

The American Heart Association recommends adults 20 years and older have their cholesterol levels checked every four to six years. 

Children should have their cholesterol checked when they're between 9 and 11 years old and again when they're between 17 and 21 years.

Children over 2 years old should have their cholesterol levels checked if they:

From WebMD Logo

Cholesterol Resources
Featured Centers
References
Image Source: iStock Images

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/what-your-cholesterol-levels-mean

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-cholesterol-the-basics?search=cholesterol&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cholesterol.html

https://www.elmcroft.com/blog/2019/july/how-to-reduce-cholesterol/