Cholesterol is a type of fat that is produced naturally in the liver and is also present in some foods. It is essential for good health, as it is needed to make hormones, vitamin D, and other substances.

However, high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In this article, we will explain who should get tested regularly for cholesterol and what are the normal values.

Who Should Get Tested Regularly?

Everyone should get their cholesterol levels checked regularly, starting from the age of 20.

The frequency of testing may vary depending on a person’s risk factors for heart disease, such as family history, smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

People who have a family history of heart disease or stroke are at a higher risk of developing these conditions themselves. In such cases, cholesterol testing may be recommended more frequently, such as every 2 years.

Smoking is another risk factor for heart disease, as it damages blood vessels, lowers good cholesterol (HDL), and raises bad cholesterol (LDL).

Smokers may need to get their cholesterol levels checked more frequently, such as every year or as advised by their healthcare provider.

High blood pressure is also a risk factor for heart disease, as it puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.

People with high blood pressure may need to get their cholesterol levels checked more frequently, such as every 2 years or as advised by their healthcare provider.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects how the body processes blood sugar. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, as high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves.

Cholesterol testing may be recommended more frequently for people with diabetes, such as every year or as advised by their healthcare provider.

What Are the Normal Values?

A cholesterol test measures the levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood. The normal values may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors.

Here are the normal values for adults:.

Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol: at least 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women)
LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL
Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL

It is important to note that these values are only general guidelines and may differ for each individual.

Your healthcare provider will interpret your cholesterol test results in the context of your overall health, family history, and other risk factors.

What Does High Cholesterol Mean?

If your cholesterol levels are higher than the normal values, it may indicate that you have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Here are the ranges for high cholesterol:.

Total cholesterol: 200 mg/dL or higher
HDL cholesterol: less than 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women)
LDL cholesterol: 130 mg/dL or higher
Triglycerides: 200 mg/dL or higher

If you have high cholesterol, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medication to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

How to Lower Your Cholesterol Levels?

If you have high cholesterol, there are several ways to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke:.

Eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, and high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Get regular exercise, such as 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most days of the week.
Lose weight if you are overweight or obese, as excess weight can increase cholesterol levels.
Quit smoking, as smoking can damage blood vessels and increase cholesterol levels.
Take medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider, such as statins, bile acid sequestrants, or other cholesterol-lowering drugs.

It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and take any prescribed medication as directed. Lifestyle changes can also be very effective in reducing cholesterol levels, but they may take time to show results.

Conclusion

Cholesterol testing is an important part of maintaining good health and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Everyone should get their cholesterol levels checked regularly, starting from the age of 20.

The normal values may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. If you have high cholesterol, lifestyle changes and/or medication may be recommended to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.