Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in all cells of your body. Your liver makes cholesterol, and it is also in some foods, such as meat and dairy products. Cholesterol is essential for building healthy cells, but high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease. Understanding What Is Considered High Cholesterol is the first step in managing your health and preventing potential complications.
A blood test called a lipid panel is used to measure your cholesterol levels. This test typically reports several types of cholesterol:
- Total Cholesterol: This is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries.
- Triglycerides: This is another type of fat in your blood. High levels of triglycerides can also contribute to heart disease.
Typically, you’ll need to fast for nine to twelve hours before a cholesterol test, meaning you should not consume any food or liquids other than water. However, some cholesterol tests do not require fasting, so always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
Decoding Your Cholesterol Numbers: Ranges to Know
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in the United States and some other countries, and in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) in Canada and many European countries. Knowing the healthy ranges and what is considered high cholesterol within these measurements is crucial for interpreting your results.
Total Cholesterol Levels
| Measurement (mg/dL) | Measurement (mmol/L) | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Below 200 | Below 5.2 | Desirable |
| 200-239 | 5.2-6.2 | Borderline High |
| 240 and above | Above 6.2 | High |
If your total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL or higher, it is considered high cholesterol. Maintaining a total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL is generally recommended for good health.
LDL Cholesterol Levels
LDL cholesterol is a key factor in assessing heart disease risk. What is considered high cholesterol for LDL varies depending on your overall health and risk factors for heart disease.
| Measurement (mg/dL) | Measurement (mmol/L) | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Below 70 | Below 1.8 | Best for people with coronary artery disease |
| Below 100 | Below 2.6 | Optimal for people at risk of coronary artery disease or with diabetes |
| 100-129 | 2.6-3.3 | Near optimal if no coronary artery disease, High if coronary artery disease |
| 130-159 | 3.4-4.1 | Borderline High if no coronary artery disease, High if coronary artery disease |
| 160-189 | 4.1-4.9 | High if no coronary artery disease, Very High if coronary artery disease |
| 190 and above | Above 4.9 | Very High, potentially indicating a genetic condition |
Generally, an LDL cholesterol level of 160 mg/dL and above is considered high cholesterol. For individuals with heart disease or diabetes, even lower levels might be considered high.
HDL Cholesterol Levels
Unlike LDL, higher HDL cholesterol levels are better. HDL helps remove cholesterol from your arteries.
| Measurement (mg/dL) | Measurement (mmol/L) | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Below 40 (men) | Below 1.0 (men) | Poor |
| Below 50 (women) | Below 1.3 (women) | Poor |
| 40-59 (men) | 1.0-1.5 (men) | Better |
| 50-59 (women) | 1.3-1.5 (women) | Better |
| 60 and above | Above 1.5 | Best |
An HDL cholesterol level below 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL for women is considered low HDL cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Ideally, you want your HDL cholesterol to be 60 mg/dL or higher.
Triglyceride Levels
Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. High triglyceride levels can also increase your risk of heart disease.
| Measurement (mg/dL) | Measurement (mmol/L) | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Below 150 | Below 1.7 | Desirable |
| 150-199 | 1.7-2.2 | Borderline High |
| 200-499 | 2.3-5.6 | High |
| 500 and above | Above 5.6 | Very High |
A triglyceride level of 200 mg/dL or higher is considered high triglycerides, and 500 mg/dL or higher is considered very high.
Alt text: Blood sample in test tube ready for cholesterol checkup in lab, illustrating the diagnostic process for high cholesterol.
Cholesterol Testing for Children
Cholesterol testing isn’t just for adults. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends that most children have a cholesterol screening test between ages 9 and 11, and then every five years after that.
More frequent or earlier cholesterol testing may be recommended if your child has a family history of early heart disease, or personal risk factors like obesity or diabetes.
Managing High Cholesterol: Treatment and Lifestyle Changes
If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, it’s important to take steps to manage it. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of managing high cholesterol. These include:
- Dietary Changes: Adopting a heart-healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting saturated and trans fats, can significantly lower cholesterol. Choose lean proteins and healthy fats found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
- Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Physical activity helps raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Weight Management: Losing excess weight can have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels.
- Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking is crucial for improving overall health and cholesterol levels. Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol and increases LDL cholesterol.
Alt text: Bowl of heart-healthy foods including avocado, salad, egg, and nuts, representing dietary changes for lowering high cholesterol levels.
Medications for High Cholesterol
If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to lower your cholesterol to healthy levels, your doctor may recommend medication. Several types of medications are available, including:
- Statins: These drugs work by blocking a substance your liver needs to make cholesterol, leading to reduced LDL cholesterol.
- Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors: These medications, like ezetimibe, limit the absorption of dietary cholesterol in your small intestine.
- Bempedoic Acid: A newer medication similar to statins, often used in combination with statins to further lower LDL cholesterol.
- Bile-Acid-Binding Resins: These drugs help lower cholesterol by binding to bile acids, prompting the liver to use more cholesterol to produce bile.
- PCSK9 Inhibitors: These injectable medications can significantly lower LDL cholesterol, particularly in people with genetic conditions causing very high LDL or those with heart disease who can’t tolerate statins.
For high triglycerides, your doctor might prescribe:
- Fibrates: These medications reduce the liver’s production of VLDL cholesterol, which carries triglycerides.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements: Prescription or over-the-counter omega-3 supplements can help lower triglyceride levels.
The choice of medication depends on your specific cholesterol profile, risk factors, and overall health.
Take Control of Your Cholesterol
Understanding what is considered high cholesterol is empowering. By knowing your cholesterol numbers and working with your doctor to implement lifestyle changes or medication when necessary, you can take proactive steps to protect your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to managing your cholesterol effectively.
