Blood Cholesterol Levels: Normal, Low, and High

Most people have heard about the dangers of cholesterol, but not everyone knows that it can be both beneficial and harmful, and that lab test results need to be interpreted correctly.

Key Information About Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a complex fat found in all cell walls of living organisms, essential for synthesizing vital substances. While we get a substantial amount from food, a significant portion is also produced by the liver.

Complex fats aren’t harmful to health in moderation; however, excessive intake can lead to health issues. Good cholesterol is known as HDL, while harmful cholesterol particles appear as large LDL particles, which can clog arteries by settling as plaque. Cholesterol levels are always determined individually, depending on height, age, sex, weight, and unique bodily characteristics. Children generally have lower cholesterol levels than adults, and results interpretation should consider coexisting conditions. For example, cholesterol levels may rise during pregnancy and can be lower in individuals with diabetes or heart disease.

A general benchmark for normal cholesterol is between 3.5–5 mmol/L. Any increase is considered an abnormality, though certain factors, such as colder seasons, specific phases of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and even cancer, can influence these values without causing concern.

Both high and low cholesterol levels are equally dangerous. Because interpreting cholesterol levels can be complex, consulting a knowledgeable healthcare provider is essential.

Who Is at Risk?

Cholesterol levels should concern everyone, not just those with existing abnormalities. Cholesterol issues can escalate over time, emerging due to neglect and an unhealthy lifestyle. High-risk groups include people who:

• Have a family history of high cholesterol.
• Lead sedentary lifestyles.
• Are overweight or underweight.
• Take medications that influence cholesterol levels.
• Have harmful habits (smoking, excessive drinking).
• Lack sufficient meat, dairy, and other essential nutrients in their diet.

Women need to monitor cholesterol levels more closely after age 50, while men should begin paying attention at age 40. Heart patients should always keep an eye on their cholesterol.

How to Normalize Cholesterol Levels

Minor abnormalities can be corrected relatively quickly with timely detection. Healthy cholesterol levels are a byproduct of a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Ensure a proper balance of work and rest, and prioritize sufficient sleep. Foods that support lowering cholesterol include:

• Low-fat dairy products
• Vegetables and salads
• Lean meats
• Whole-grain bread
• Whole grains
• Boiled eggs or egg white omelets
• Unsweetened juices
• Soy products
• Fruits

For significantly elevated cholesterol levels, diet alone may be insufficient, and medical intervention is recommended. Avoid butter, fast food, and fatty meats. Switch from sunflower oil to olive oil where possible, and consume only egg whites if you enjoy eggs. Fiber-rich legumes can aid in eliminating fatty acids.

Borderline Cholesterol Levels

Borderline values in blood test results require close monitoring. Early signs of atherosclerosis include:

• Angina attacks
• Yellow patches on the face
• Leg pain from narrowed blood vessels

Staying aware of cholesterol levels allows for timely intervention, if needed. Physical exercise can improve vessel health and reduce cholesterol levels.

The Role of Cholesterol in the Body

Cholesterol serves several vital functions:

• Forms cell membranes, ensuring elasticity, strength, and permeability.
• Participates in cortisone synthesis, crucial for metabolism, and steroid hormone production, regulating calcium and phosphorus balance.
• Protects red blood cells from hemolytic toxins.
• Aids in synthesizing sex hormones, triggering a chain of reactions.
• Supports immune and nervous system function.

While cholesterol is essential for health, too much can lead to chronic conditions, especially cardiovascular disease. Good cholesterol (HDL) is synthesized only by the body and cannot be obtained from food.

Types of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is found in the blood as lipoproteins, which are complex proteins that transport it through the bloodstream. These transport proteins are called apolipoproteins and fall into three categories:

1. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) – “Good” cholesterol, helping prevent heart attacks and atherosclerosis by transporting excess cholesterol to the liver for processing. Optimal levels are 40 mg/dL or higher.
2. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) – “Bad” cholesterol, which in excess leads to plaque formation on artery walls. These large particles (LDL) deliver good cholesterol to cells.
3. Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) – Known as “very bad” cholesterol, consisting of large particles that transport lipids, cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides.

Cholesterol by Age

When determining cholesterol levels, factors such as age play a significant role.

Adults: The normal range is generally 3.6–5.0 mmol/L. Elevated cholesterol affects many men and women, with high levels increasing cardiovascular disease risk.

Women: Young women have rapid metabolic rates, keeping cholesterol levels in check, but as they age, levels may increase, particularly after 35, when taking birth control, or if they smoke. Cholesterol levels also rise post-menopause when estrogen levels, a natural protective factor against high cholesterol, drop.

Men: Without estrogen’s protective effects, men face increasing cholesterol levels with age, especially those who smoke or consume fatty foods. Atherosclerosis risk heightens after 40.

Children: Though more common in adults, high cholesterol can also occur in children, particularly if a parent has high cholesterol. For children, maintaining a balanced diet and weight are crucial. Cholesterol levels in children should be checked starting at age two if there’s a family history, with follow-ups every three years if results are normal.

Low Cholesterol: What to Know

While high cholesterol risks are well-documented, low cholesterol can also have severe consequences, such as issues with fertility and libido (good cholesterol is vital for hormone synthesis) and a higher risk of severe depression and suicidal tendencies.

Low cholesterol may increase the risk of:

• Diabetes
• Digestive issues
• Osteoporosis
• Hemorrhagic stroke

Liver diseases, genetics, poor diet, and disorders like anorexia are frequent causes of low cholesterol. Identifying healthy levels is best achieved through blood tests, supported by symptom awareness, such as enlarged lymph nodes, muscle weakness, and mood changes.