What is Normal Cholesterol Level?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in your blood and is essential for many important functions in your body, such as building cell membranes, making hormones, and producing vitamin D.

However, high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. That's why it's important to know your cholesterol levels and take steps to keep them in a healthy range.

The normal range for total cholesterol is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A level of 200 to 239 mg/dL is considered borderline high, while a level of 240 mg/dL or higher is considered high. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and losing weight.

What is Normal Cholesterol Level?

Here are 8 important points about normal cholesterol levels:

• Optimal: Less than 200 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 200-239 mg/dL
• High: 240 mg/dL or higher
• LDL (Bad) Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL (Good) Cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
• Regular Checkups: Every 4-6 years
• Healthy Lifestyle: Diet, Exercise, Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is crucial for overall cardiovascular well-being. Regular checkups, lifestyle modifications, and medical interventions, if necessary, can help keep cholesterol in check.

Optimal: Less than 200 mg/dL

An optimal total cholesterol level is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). This level is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

To achieve an optimal cholesterol level, it is important to:

• Eat a healthy diet: This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats, as well as cholesterol-rich foods.
• Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Exercise helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for high cholesterol. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan.
• Quit smoking: Smoking lowers HDL (good) cholesterol and increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Manage other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, can affect your cholesterol levels. It is important to manage these conditions properly to help keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range.

If you have an optimal cholesterol level, it is important to continue to follow a healthy lifestyle to maintain this level. This will help to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Borderline High: 200-239 mg/dL

A borderline high total cholesterol level is between 200 and 239 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). This level is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, compared to an optimal cholesterol level.

If you have a borderline high cholesterol level, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help lower your cholesterol. These changes may include:

• Eating a healthy diet: This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats, as well as cholesterol-rich foods.
• Getting regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Exercise helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for high cholesterol. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan.
• Quitting smoking: Smoking lowers HDL (good) cholesterol and increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Managing other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, can affect your cholesterol levels. It is important to manage these conditions properly to help keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range.

In addition to lifestyle changes, your doctor may also recommend medication to help lower your cholesterol. Statins are a type of medication that is commonly used to lower cholesterol. Statins work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver.

If you have a borderline high cholesterol level, it is important to work with your doctor to develop a plan to lower your cholesterol. This will help to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

High: 240 mg/dL or higher

A high total cholesterol level is 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher. This level is associated with a significantly increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Treatment is usually necessary: If you have a high cholesterol level, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes and medication to lower your cholesterol. Lifestyle changes may include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing other medical conditions.
• Statins are commonly used: Statins are a type of medication that is commonly used to lower cholesterol. Statins work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver. Other types of medications that may be used to lower cholesterol include bile acid resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and PCSK9 inhibitors.
• Regular monitoring is important: If you are taking medication to lower your cholesterol, your doctor will likely monitor your cholesterol levels regularly to make sure that your cholesterol is being lowered to a safe level.
• Lifestyle changes are still important: Even if you are taking medication to lower your cholesterol, it is still important to make healthy lifestyle changes. These changes will help to lower your risk for heart disease and stroke even further.

If you have a high cholesterol level, it is important to work with your doctor to develop a plan to lower your cholesterol. This will help to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

LDL (Bad) Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the arteries and form plaque, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. A healthy LDL cholesterol level is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

To lower your LDL cholesterol, you can:

• Eat a healthy diet: This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats, as well as cholesterol-rich foods.
• Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Exercise helps to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your LDL cholesterol. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan.
• Quit smoking: Smoking lowers HDL (good) cholesterol and increases your LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Manage other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, can affect your cholesterol levels. It is important to manage these conditions properly to help keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range.

If you have high LDL cholesterol, your doctor may also recommend medication to help lower your cholesterol. Statins are a type of medication that is commonly used to lower LDL cholesterol. Statins work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver.

It is important to keep your LDL cholesterol level below 100 mg/dL to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

HDL (Good) Cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove LDL (bad) cholesterol from the arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it is broken down and removed from the body. A healthy HDL cholesterol level is 60 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher.

To raise your HDL cholesterol, you can:

• Eat a healthy diet: This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats, as well as cholesterol-rich foods.
• Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Exercise helps to raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can lower your HDL cholesterol. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan.
• Quit smoking: Smoking lowers HDL (good) cholesterol and increases your LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Manage other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, can affect your cholesterol levels. It is important to manage these conditions properly to help keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range.

If you have low HDL cholesterol, your doctor may also recommend medication to help raise your cholesterol. Niacin is a type of medication that is commonly used to raise HDL cholesterol. Niacin works by increasing the production of HDL cholesterol in the liver.

It is important to keep your HDL cholesterol level at 60 mg/dL or higher to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL

Triglycerides are a type of fat that is found in your blood. High levels of triglycerides can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. A healthy triglyceride level is less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

To lower your triglycerides, you can:

• Eat a healthy diet: This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats, as well as cholesterol-rich foods and added sugar.
• Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Exercise helps to lower triglycerides and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your triglycerides. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan.
• Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your triglycerides.
• Manage other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, can affect your triglyceride levels. It is important to manage these conditions properly to help keep your triglyceride levels in a healthy range.

If you have high triglycerides, your doctor may also recommend medication to help lower your triglycerides. Statins and fibrates are two types of medications that are commonly used to lower triglycerides. Statins work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver, while fibrates work by increasing the breakdown of triglycerides in the blood.

It is important to keep your triglyceride level below 150 mg/dL to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Regular Checkups: Every 4-6 years

It is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly, even if you feel healthy. This is because high cholesterol often has no symptoms. The American Heart Association recommends that adults aged 20 and older have their cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years.

If you have any risk factors for high cholesterol, such as a family history of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity, you may need to have your cholesterol levels checked more often. Your doctor will recommend a schedule for cholesterol checks based on your individual risk factors.

There are two main ways to check your cholesterol levels:

• Lipid panel: This is a blood test that measures your total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
• HDL cholesterol test: This is a blood test that measures your HDL (good) cholesterol level only.

Your doctor will likely order a lipid panel to check your cholesterol levels. The lipid panel is a more comprehensive test that provides more information about your cholesterol levels.

It is important to keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Talk to your doctor about your cholesterol levels and how often you should have them checked.

Healthy Lifestyle: Diet, Exercise, Weight Management

Making healthy lifestyle changes is one of the best ways to keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range. These changes include:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables: Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Fruits and vegetables are low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol.
• Choose lean protein sources: Lean protein sources include fish, chicken, beans, and tofu. These foods are low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in protein, which can help to lower cholesterol.
• Limit saturated and trans fats: Saturated and trans fats can raise your cholesterol levels. Saturated fat is found in animal products, such as meat, poultry, and dairy products. Trans fat is found in processed foods, such as fried foods, baked goods, and margarine. Limit saturated fat to no more than 6% of your daily calories and trans fat to zero.
• Choose whole grains over refined grains: Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol. Refined grains, such as white bread, white rice, and pasta, have been stripped of their fiber and are not as good for your cholesterol levels.

• Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week: Moderate-intensity exercise includes brisk walking, swimming, biking, and dancing. Exercise helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Include strength training in your routine: Strength training helps to build muscle mass, which can help to lower cholesterol.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for high cholesterol. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan.
• Lose weight slowly and steadily: Losing weight too quickly can actually raise your cholesterol levels. Aim to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

Making healthy lifestyle changes can help to keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range and reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about cholesterol levels:

• Age (over 20 years old)
• Family history of high cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
• Unhealthy diet

• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Managing other medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Taking medication, if necessary

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If you have any questions about your cholesterol levels, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

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In addition to following a healthy lifestyle and taking medication, if necessary, there are a few other things you can do to help keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range. These include:

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range:

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Making these lifestyle changes can help to keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range and reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about how to make these changes.

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By following a healthy lifestyle, taking medication if necessary, and making other positive changes, you can help to keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range and reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Conclusion

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells, make hormones, and produce vitamin D. However, high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.

A healthy total cholesterol level is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). If your cholesterol levels are high, there are many things you can do to lower them, including:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Managing other medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Taking medication, if necessary

Making these changes can help to keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range and reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

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If you have any questions about your cholesterol levels or how to lower them, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan that is right for you.