Lexi Webster
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood, and high cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease and stroke. While cholesterol is necessary for the body and can be produced by the liver, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to develop in the arteries, leading to cardiovascular disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol, on the other hand, helps to remove excess cholesterol from the body's cells, including those in the arteries, and keeps cholesterol levels in check. Target cholesterol levels vary depending on age, sex, family history, and individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but generally, lower LDL and higher HDL levels are recommended for optimal health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol for the general healthy population | less than 5.5 mmol/L |
| Total cholesterol for people with risk factors | less than 4.0 mmol/L |
| LDL cholesterol for the general healthy population | less than 2.0 mmol/L |
| LDL cholesterol for people with risk factors | less than 1.8 mmol/L |
| LDL cholesterol for people with cardiovascular risk factors | less than 2 mmol/L |
| HDL cholesterol | greater than 1.0 mmol/L |
| HDL cholesterol for females | at least 50 mg/dL |
| HDL cholesterol for males | at least 40 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | less than 2.0 mmol/L |
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What You'll Learn
HDL cholesterol levels: above 60 mg/dL is ideal
HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein, is often referred to as "good cholesterol". This is because it helps to remove excess cholesterol from the body's cells and reduces the risk of heart disease. It does this by carrying cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is processed.
High levels of HDL cholesterol are recommended by doctors, and ideally, your HDL level should be above 60 mg/dL. This is because HDL cholesterol is protective against cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks. It does this by cleaning up 'bad' LDL cholesterol from the walls of arteries and taking it to the liver for processing.
However, in some rare cases, HDL levels can be too high. For example, those with high levels of HDL and C-reactive proteins are at a particularly high risk of heart disease. More research is needed to understand how high HDL levels can be harmful in certain people.
It is important to note that cholesterol levels vary from person to person, and your target cholesterol level will depend on a number of factors, including your age, sex, family history, and individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease. If you are unsure about your cholesterol levels, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.
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LDL cholesterol levels: below 100 mg/dL is recommended
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. There are several different types of cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as 'good' cholesterol. It helps to remove excess cholesterol from your body's cells, keeping your cholesterol levels manageable. HDL cholesterol cleans up 'bad' cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) from the walls of arteries and transports it to the liver for processing. Exercise, particularly vigorous aerobic exercise, is a great way to increase HDL cholesterol levels.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is known as 'bad' cholesterol. Excess LDL cholesterol can leave fatty deposits (plaques) on the lining of arteries, causing blockages and leading to cardiovascular disease. An LDL level above 100 mg/dL raises your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Healthcare providers encourage you to maintain a healthy level of LDL cholesterol. Most adults should keep their LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dL. If you have a history of atherosclerosis, your LDL goal should be below 70 mg/dL.
You can do a lot to bring your LDL level down if it is too high. For example, eating certain foods and exercising regularly. Your diet plays a big role in your cholesterol levels. Eating a lot of saturated and trans fats can raise your LDL. Fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, baked goods, and fast foods contain high amounts of saturated and trans fats. These fats are known to increase LDL cholesterol.
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Triglyceride levels: generally, under 2.0 mmol/L
Triglycerides are a type of fat, also known as a lipid, and they are the most common type of fat in your body. They are essential for energy storage. Triglyceride levels are measured in mmol/L and are obtained through a blood test. Triglycerides are transported in the lipoproteins in your bloodstream to be used as energy by your body's cells.
However, like with LDL cholesterol, triglycerides can build up in your blood and result in health conditions such as heart disease. Triglyceride levels above 2.0 mmol/L are considered high. If you eat more energy than you burn through physical exercise, the excess energy will be converted into fat, which can lead to high triglycerides and high cholesterol. This is linked to an increased risk of health conditions including heart disease.
To manage triglyceride levels, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining an appropriate weight for your height. A low-carb, high-healthy fat, and high-protein diet is recommended, while also avoiding saturated fats and increasing fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. Vigorous aerobic exercise is particularly beneficial for increasing HDL cholesterol while reducing weight and body fat.
In some cases, healthy lifestyle choices may not be enough to lower high triglyceride levels. For example, if you have familial hypertriglyceridemia or if you already have heart disease, your doctor may prescribe medication such as fibrates or nicotinic acids. It is important to note that medication should be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle to effectively manage high triglyceride levels.
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Total cholesterol: less than 5.5 mmol/L
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of health problems, including heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke. It is important to get your cholesterol checked regularly as high cholesterol alone does not exhibit any symptoms.
Total cholesterol levels of less than 5.5 mmol/L are considered healthy for the general population. However, target cholesterol levels can vary depending on individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease. People with underlying health conditions, such as kidney disease, or those who are considered high-risk due to previous heart attacks, should aim for lower total cholesterol levels, typically below 4.0 mmol/L.
Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and smoking, can also influence cholesterol levels. An unhealthy diet high in saturated fat, for example, can increase levels of LDL cholesterol, while regular exercise can help increase HDL cholesterol levels and reduce body fat.
It is important to note that cholesterol levels are just one aspect of assessing cardiovascular health. Doctors will also consider other risk factors, such as age, blood pressure, and medical history, when evaluating an individual's overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Risk factors: age, sex, family history, and cardiovascular disease
Age is a significant factor in determining healthy cholesterol levels. People aged 45 and older are encouraged to have their cholesterol and risk for heart disease assessed. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to have this assessment done from the age of 35 or 18, depending on the source. This is because high cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke, and the risk of these conditions increases with age. Heart disease is a leading chronic disease in Australia, with approximately 30% of all deaths occurring in those aged 65 and over.
Sex is also a factor in determining healthy cholesterol levels. While most normal cholesterol levels are the same for both sexes, females need a higher HDL level (at least 50) compared to males (at least 40).
Family history is another important consideration. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, it is important to speak to your doctor about your risk of heart disease. This is because high cholesterol can be genetic and run in families.
Finally, cardiovascular disease is a critical factor in determining healthy cholesterol levels. If you are at risk of heart disease, your doctor may recommend a lower LDL target. This is because high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. It can lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can cause blockages and narrowing, known as atherosclerosis. This can ultimately lead to a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, if you are at risk of heart disease, it is crucial to work with your doctor to manage your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk.
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Frequently asked questions
Good cholesterol levels in Australia depend on a number of factors, including age, sex, family history, and cardiovascular risk factors. For the general healthy population, a total cholesterol level of less than 5.5 mmol/L is advised.
According to guidelines, a total cholesterol level of 4.0 mmol/L is considered high. Approximately half of all adult Australians have a blood cholesterol level above 5 mmol/L, which is considered high.
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as 'good' cholesterol as it helps remove excess cholesterol from the body's cells, including those in the arteries. On the other hand, LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is known as 'bad' cholesterol. High levels of LDL can lead to fatty deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Good cholesterol levels can be maintained through a combination of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management. Soluble fibre sources like fruits, peas, oat cereals, flaxseeds, beans, and lentils can help restore cholesterol levels. Exercise, particularly vigorous aerobic exercise, increases HDL levels while reducing weight and body fat.
