Knowledge Builders

what is a normal serum cholesterol level

by Dr. Geovanny Hills Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Learn more: Is it a stroke or a heart attack? »
healthy serum cholesterolless than 200 mg/dL
healthy LDL cholesterolless than 130 mg/dL
healthy HDL cholesterolhigher than 55 mg/dL for women and 45 mg/dL for men
healthy triglyceridesless than 150 mg/dL

Full Answer

What is considered a "normal" cholesterol level?

Cholesterol levels vary by age, weight, and gender. A normal range for total cholesterol is usually between 125 to 200mg/dL. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the cells in your body. Cholesterol is found in some foods, like meat and dairy products. Your liver is responsible for making cholesterol.

Is 62 cholesterol level good or bad?

You may be wondering if an HDL level of 62 is considered good or bad or if it's too high, too low, or normal. According to Mayo Clinic, an HDL level of 62 would be considered optimal for an adult male. For an adult female, an HDL level of 62 would be considered optimal as well.

How to maintain healthy HDL levels?

Method 2 of 3: Eating a Healthy Diet

  1. Consume 20 to 35 grams (1.2 oz) of fiber every day. Most people don't get the recommended amount of fiber in their diets.
  2. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Eat 3 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
  3. Eat lean proteins and seafood throughout the week. ...
  4. Add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. ...

More items...

What are normal non fasting cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol = 214 (200 normal) HDL = 34 (>40) Triglycerides = 297 (<150) LDL = 138 Chol/HDLC Ratio =6.3 Non HDL Cholesterol = 180 This was a shock as my diet has been Complete Guide to Fasting-ish before the 2-week fast. I did drop about 25 pounds, and went from a size XL to a Medium!

image

What is a normal serum cholesterol level UK?

Check what your cholesterol levels should beResultHealthy level (mmol/L)Total cholesterol5 or belowHDL (good cholesterol)1 or aboveNon-HDL (bad cholesterol)4 or belowFasting triglycerides (when you're asked not to eat for several hours before the test)1.7 or below2 more rows

Is a cholesterol level of 5.5 high?

Safe blood cholesterol levels Health authorities recommend that cholesterol levels should be no higher than 5.5 mmol per litre if there are no other risk factors present.

What are normal levels of LDL and HDL?

According to Michos, an ideal LDL cholesterol level should be less than 70 mg/dl, and a woman's HDL cholesterol level ideally should be close to 50 mg/dl. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dl.

What is the ideal serum cholesterol HDL ratio?

The higher the ratio, the higher the risk. Most healthcare providers want the ratio to be below 5:1. A ratio below 3.5:1 is considered very good.

What are the warning signs of high cholesterol?

What are the warning signs of high cholesterol?Nausea.Numbness.Slurred speech.Extreme fatigue.Chest pain or angina.Shortness of breath.Numbness or coldness in extremities.High blood pressure.

What is the most important cholesterol number?

An optimal level of non- HDL cholesterol is less than 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 3.37 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Higher numbers mean a higher risk of heart disease. To calculate your cholesterol ratio, divide your total cholesterol number by your HDL cholesterol number.

What is normal cholesterol level by age?

What are normal levels of cholesterol?Age and sexTotal cholesterolHDL cholesterolAge and sexTotal cholesterolHDL cholesterolPeople aged 19 years and youngerTotal cholesterolLess than 120 mg/dLMen aged 20 years and olderTotal cholesterolLess than 130 mg/dLWomen aged 20 years and olderTotal cholesterolLess than 130 mg/dLJul 31, 2020

What is a healthy LDL cholesterol level by age?

Optimal rangesAge and sexTotal serum cholesterolLDL levelall aged 19 years and younger170 mg/dl at mostless than 100 mg/dlfemales aged 20 years and older125–200 mg/dlless than 100 mg/dlmales aged 20 years and older125–200 mg/dlless than 100 mg/dl

What is the normal range for HDL and LDL in mmol L?

The following levels are considered to be "good" in healthy people: Total cholesterol: Levels below 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) LDL cholesterol: Levels below 130 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L) HDL cholesterol: Levels above 40 mg/dL (1 mmol/L) in men and above 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women.

What is a healthy triglyceride level by age?

Normal fasting triglyceride levels for children under the age of 10 are less than 75 mg/dl. The ranges for children under 10 are: Normal: under 75 mg/dl. Borderline high: 75–99 mg/dl.

What is a good triglyceride level?

A simple blood test can reveal whether your triglycerides fall into a healthy range: Normal — Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or less than 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) Borderline high — 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L) High — 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L)

Is banana good in high cholesterol?

The fiber and potassium in bananas can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. If you're a fan of bananas, your cholesterol levels will thank you. Like all fruits, bananas are a good source of fiber, especially soluble fiber. Eating more of this type of fiber has been found to help lower cholesterol.

What is considered a borderline high cholesterol level?

Add your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, plus 20 percent of your triglycerides, to calculate your serum cholesterol levels. If you have an LDL of 150 mg/dL, HDL of 35 mg/dL, and triglycerides of 180 mg/dL, your serum cholesterol would be 221 mg/dL. That’s considered a borderline high level.

How to treat high cholesterol?

Treating high serum cholesterol often focuses on exercising regularly and following a healthy diet low in saturated fat. If lifestyle changes don’t get you to your cholesterol targets, you may need medication.

Why is cholesterol important for heart health?

Cholesterol is often associated with heart disease. That’s because low-density lipoproteins (LDL) can build up in your arteries and restrict or block blood flow. Your body still needs a little cholesterol for healthy digestion and to make vitamin D and certain hormones. Cholesterol is a type of fat.

What is the third type of lipid?

A third type of lipid, called a triglyceride, also circulates in your blood. Measuring your LDL (“bad” cholesterol), HDL (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides will give you a number called your total blood cholesterol, or serum cholesterol. Your serum cholesterol levels can help your doctor figure out your risk for developing heart disease in ...

What is the best medication for cholesterol?

The most commonly prescribed drugs for cholesterol control are statins. Several types of statins are available. Each kind works a little differently in the body, but they all work to lower your LDL levels. Some may improve HDL and triglycerides, but the main focus is LDL reduction.

How long do you have to fast before a blood draw?

The blood samples are sent to a lab for analysis. Before your blood draw you’ll need to fast for at least eight hours.

Does HDL cholesterol help with triglycerides?

HDL lipoproteins help move LDL particles out of the bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL are associated with better cardiovascular health. As for triglycerides, lower is better. When you eat, your body converts calories you don’t need for energy into triglycerides.

What is the normal range of cholesterol?

A normal range for total cholesterol is usually between 125 to 200mg/dL. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the cells in your body. Cholesterol is found in some foods, like meat and dairy products. Your liver is responsible for making cholesterol. Your body needs it to function properly.

How to check cholesterol levels?

Diagnosing cholesterol levels. Once you’ve scheduled an appointment with your doctor, they will check your cholesterol levels with a lipid profile blood test. The nurse will take a small sample of your blood from your arm or finger. Your doctor may ask you to fast before getting your cholesterol levels checked.

How to lower triglycerides?

High triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease. Lower triglyceride levels and reduce cholesterol by eating foods that promote heart health. Reduce your intake of fat and sugar and do not eat excess calories. Get adequate nutrition by eating fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.

Why is my LDL cholesterol high?

Your body naturally produces all the LDL (bad) cholesterol it needs. An unhealthy lifestyle – not enough exercise, too many unhealthy foods – makes your body produce more LDL cholesterol than it needs. This is the cause of high LDL cholesterol for most people.

What is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in your arteries?

The bad cholesterol, LDL, is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in your arteries. Too much LDL can put you at risk for a stroke, heart attack, or other heart problems. Cholesterol levels vary by age, weight, and gender. As you age, your body will produce more cholesterol.

How much cholesterol should a 19 year old have?

Children age 19 and younger. The total cholesterol you want is less than 170mg/dL. You want less than 100mg/dL of LDL. You also want more than 45mg/dL of HDL. If your child’s LDL cholesterol levels are higher than an adult’s, your doctor may prescribe a treatment plan and lifestyle change.

What are the two types of cholesterol?

There are two types of cholesterol; the "good" cholesterol or HDL, and the "bad" cholesterol or LDL. High cholesterol levels in the blood can lead to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Learn more about cholesterol tests and how to interpret them.

What does a person's cholesterol level indicate?

A person’s serum cholesterol level can indicate their risk for conditions such as heart disease. In this article, we explore what serum cholesterol shows, what healthy ranges are, and how to improve levels with changes to lifestyle and diet.

How is total cholesterol calculated?

Total serum cholesterol is calculated by adding the HDL level, the LDL level, and 20 percent of the triglyceride level present in a blood sample. Cholesterol plays a vital in many of the body’s processes, including: building cellular membranes. making hormones. metabolizing vitamin D in the skin.

What are the risk factors for a person's cholesterol?

Some risk factors a doctor may consider when evaluating a serum cholesterol level include: the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol. triglyceride levels.

What is the difference between serum cholesterol and triglycerides?

A serum cholesterol level is a measurement of certain elements in the blood, including the amount of high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL and LDL) in a person’s blood. Serum cholesterol levels also show the amount of triglycerides present. Triglycerides are another lipid that can be measured in the blood.

Why is HDL cholesterol considered good?

While LDL cholesterol tends to build up and block arteries, HDL cholesterol helps to mop up other cholesterol in the blood and unstick it from artery walls. This is why HDL cholesterol is considered good.

How to lower LDL cholesterol?

The following tips can help a person to reduce their levels of LDL cholesterol: eating fewer full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk, butter, cream, and cheeses. eat fewer red meats, pork, lamb, and poultry with skin. avoiding packaged, fast, and fried foods. limiting the consumption of oils high in trans fats.

What happens if you have a high cholesterol?

A chunk of a plaque, known as a thrombus or blood clot, can also break off and become stuck in a narrower or restricted artery. This will make the blockage of blood more severe. Complications associated with high serum cholesterol levels include: coronary artery disease. stroke.

What does a cholesterol test show?

Your test results will show your cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Your total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol are among numerous factors your doctor can use to predict your lifetime or 10-year risk for a heart attack or stroke.

What is a lipid panel?

Lipid profile or lipid panel is a blood test that will give you results for your HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides and total blood (or serum) cholesterol. Watch an animation about cholesterol score.

What is the most common type of fat in the body?

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from food, and your body also makes them. Normal triglyceride levels vary by age and sex. People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including a high LDL (bad) cholesterol level and a low HDL (good) cholesterol level.

Is HDL cholesterol good?

HDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol. A healthy HDL-cholesterol level may protect against heart attack and stroke. Your doctor will evaluate your HDL and other cholesterol levels and other factors to assess your risk for heart attack or stroke.

Where does cholesterol come from?

It is a type of fat that is produced by the liver. Cholesterol also comes from animal-derived foods, such as meat and dairy products. It is an essential substance needed by the body for various purposes.

What is the test used to measure cholesterol?

The test used to measure cholesterol levels is called a lipoprotein panel. The lipoprotein panel also gives the value for triglycerides (TGs). Triglycerides are not a type of cholesterol, but they are as important as most of the fat in the body exists as TGs. A high triglyceride level can increase the risk of diseases, such as high blood pressure, ...

What is the combination of cholesterol and proteins called?

Cholesterol (a type of fat or lipid) moves in the body combined with proteins. This combination of cholesterol and proteins is called lipoproteins. The low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol. High levels of this cholesterol increase risk for heart diseases and stroke.

What is the risk of high triglycerides?

A high triglyceride level can increase the risk of diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart diseases, and pancreatitis. Triglycerides are also measured in the same units as cholesterol (milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL). The values or numbers for TGs are classified as:

Does too much cholesterol affect blood pressure?

Too much cholesterol, however, harms the body and increases the risk of various medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart diseases. Different types of cholesterol exist in the body. Their normal values (measured in milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL) vary according to a person’s age and gender.

How to lower cholesterol levels?

There are simple changes to your diet you can make to reduce your serum cholesterol levels: 1 Replace saturated fat in the diet with some unsaturated fat**. 2 Eat foods with added plant sterols or stanols, like those in the Flora ProActiv range ***. 3 Include foods rich in soluble fibre such as beta-glucan (found in oats and barley)

What does serum mean in blood?

What does serum mean? ‘Serum’ is simply a medical term for one component of blood. In medicine, many different bodily markers are measured in terms of how much is in the serum portion of the blood. So, when you hear the term ‘serum’, it just means how much is in that part of the blood. In fact, you will often see serum cholesterol often just simply ...

Why is high cholesterol a concern?

A high serum cholesterol level is a concern, because it raises your risk of heart disease. When people talk about getting their cholesterol checked or finding out their cholesterol levels, they are usually referring to serum cholesterol levels.

Is high cholesterol a risk factor for heart disease?

High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. There are many risk factors for coronary heart disease and it is important to take care of all of them to reduce the overall risk of it.

What does a cholesterol test measure?

A cholesterol test can measure: total cholesterol the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both "good" and "bad" cholesterol. good cholesterol (called HDL) – this makes you less likely to have heart problems or a stroke.

What are the different types of cholesterol?

A cholesterol test can measure: 1 total cholesterol – the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both "good" and "bad" cholesterol 2 good cholesterol (called HDL) – this makes you less likely to have heart problems or a stroke 3 bad cholesterol (called LDL and non-HDL) – this makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke 4 triglycerides – a fatty substance similar to bad cholesterol

What is triglycerides in blood test?

triglycerides – a fatty substance similar to bad cholesterol. When you get your result, you may just be told your total cholesterol. You might be able to get separate results for your good and bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Ask your doctor or nurse.

image

Causes

Overview

  • Cholesterol is a type of fat. Its also called a lipid. It travels through your bloodstream in tiny molecules wrapped inside proteins. These packages are called lipoproteins. LDL is one of the main types of lipoproteins in your blood. The other main type is high-density lipoproteins (HDL). A third type of lipid, called a triglyceride, also circulates in your blood.
See more on healthline.com

Advantages

  • The lower the LDL level and the higher the HDL level, the better. LDL is the type of cholesterol that forms waxy plaque on the inside wall of an artery. Too much plaque can limit blood flow through that artery.
See more on healthline.com

Clinical significance

  • Plaque can also rupture, spilling its contents of cholesterol, fats, and waste products into the blood vessel. As platelets rush to the injury, a blood clot can form. Platelets are a type of cell found in blood. If the clot is in an artery in the heart, called a coronary artery, a heart attack can occur. If the clot travels to the brain and blocks blood flow, the result is a stroke.
See more on healthline.com

Results

  • Heres what you should look for in your results: Add your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, plus 20 percent of your triglycerides, to calculate your serum cholesterol levels. If you have an LDL of 150 mg/dL, HDL of 35 mg/dL, and triglycerides of 180 mg/dL, your serum cholesterol would be 221 mg/dL. Thats considered a borderline high level. Your doctor...
See more on healthline.com

Treatment

  • Treating high serum cholesterol often focuses on exercising regularly and following a healthy diet low in saturated fat. If lifestyle changes dont get you to your cholesterol targets, you may need medication. The most commonly prescribed drugs for cholesterol control are statins. Several types of statins are available. Each kind works a little differently in the body, but they all work to l…
See more on healthline.com

Prevention

  • Reducing the amount of saturated fat in your diet can play a big role in reducing your risk. Dietary cholesterol appears to have a minor effect on your serum cholesterol levels. So look for ways to reduce your intake of saturated fat by consuming less red meat and whole-fat dairy products, for example.
See more on healthline.com

1.Normal Cholesterol Levels by Age: Chart and Testing

Url:https://www.verywellhealth.com/cholesterol-levels-by-age-chart-5190176

35 hours ago 12 rows ·  · For most healthy adults (19 and older), your total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL, your ...

2.Serum Cholesterol: Understanding Your Levels - Healthline

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/serum-cholesterol

17 hours ago  · A normal range for total cholesterol is usually between 125 to 200mg/dL. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the cells in your body. Cholesterol is found in some foods, like meat and dairy products. Your liver is responsible for making cholesterol. Your body needs it to function properly.

3.What Is the Normal Range for Cholesterol Levels?

Url:https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_the_normal_range_for_cholesterol_levels/article.htm

26 hours ago Normal triglyceride levels vary by age and sex. People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including a high LDL (bad) cholesterol level and a low HDL (good) cholesterol level. Many people with metabolic syndrome or diabetes also have high triglyceride levels. Factors that can contribute to elevated triglyceride ...

4.Serum cholesterol: What to know and how to manage levels

Url:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321519

11 hours ago  · Adults who have total cholesterol levels less than 200 mg/dL are considered healthy. If total cholesterol is between 200 and 239 mg/dL, it is borderline high. If total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL and above, it is considered high and harmful. Bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein [LDL]): LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL.

5.What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean | American Heart …

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

28 hours ago What should your normal serum cholesterol levels be? The NHS as a general guide say that total cholesterol levels should be: 5mmol/L or less for healthy adults, or 4mmol/L or less for those at high risk of developing heart disease*. Within total serum cholesterol, there are a few measurements that give a more detailed view of whether your cholesterol levels are okay. …

6.What Are the Normal Cholesterol Levels According to Age?

Url:https://www.medicinenet.com/normal_cholesterol_levels_according_to_age/article.htm

24 hours ago 6 rows · Healthy levels for different types of cholesterol. Result Healthy level (mmol/L) Total ...

7.What is serum cholesterol? - ProActiv UK

Url:https://www.pro-activ.com/en-gb/heart-and-cholesterol/cholesterol-testing/what-is-serum-cholesterol

8 hours ago  · An important aspect of cholesterol can be the ratio of total cholesterol to good cholesterol . Ideally, this should be as low as possible, Dr McClymont says. Calculate this by dividing your TC number by your HDL number. So for example, if your TC is 4.5 mmol/L and HDL is 1.2 mmol/L, the ratio is 3.75.

8.High cholesterol - Cholesterol levels - NHS

Url:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/cholesterol-levels/

2 hours ago  · A person’s total blood cholesterol is the sum of their HDL and LDL cholesterol levels together with 20% of their triglyceride levels. Non-HDL cholesterol It may be harmful to health at high levels.

9.High non-HDL cholesterol: What it means and management

Url:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/high-non-hdl-cholesterol

7 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9