What should your bad cholesterol level be

For example, people with depression may have low cholesterol levels, but it has not been proved that lowering cholesterol with statin therapy causes depression. However, the benefits of lowering total and LDL cholesterol have been demonstrated extensively, particularly in individuals with heart disease or at high risk of heart disease or strokes. If you're concerned about your cholesterol level, consult your doctor.

If you're taking statins, don't stop without first consulting your doctor. He or she can determine the cholesterol range most appropriate for you. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.

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Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Cholesterol level: Can it be too low? Products and services. Can your total cholesterol level be too low?

With Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Cholesterol is a fatty substance your liver makes. Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly. But having too much of the bad type of cholesterol — low-density lipoprotein LDL — puts you at risk for having a heart attack or stroke. Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Click here to learn more. Your total cholesterol level is the overall amount of cholesterol found in your blood.

It consists of:. The higher your HDL, the better. Total cholesterol also includes a triglyceride count. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, starting at age 20, which is when cholesterol levels can start to rise. As we age, cholesterol levels tend to climb. Men are generally at a higher risk than women for higher cholesterol. For those with high cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes, more frequent testing is recommended.

According to the guidelines on the management of blood cholesterol published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology JACC , these are the acceptable, borderline, and high measurements for adults. Generally, guidelines are similar for men and women over the age of 20, though they differ when it comes to HDL cholesterol, as seen above. Women should aim for higher levels of HDL cholesterol. Children who are physically active , eat a nutrient-dense diet , are not overweight, and do not have a family history of high cholesterol are at a lower risk for having high cholesterol.

Current guidelines recommend that all children have their cholesterol checked between ages 9 and 11 years, and then again between ages 17 and 21 years. Children with more risk factors, such as having diabetes, obesity, or a family history of high cholesterol, should be checked between ages 2 and 8 years, and again between ages 12 and 16 years.

According to the JACC , the following are the recommended cholesterol levels for children:. While total and LDL cholesterol levels should be kept low, having more HDL cholesterol can offer some protection against a person developing heart-related illnesses including heart attacks and strokes.

Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age. Doctors recommend taking steps earlier in life to prevent dangerously high levels of cholesterol developing as a person ages.

Years of unmanaged cholesterol can be much trickier to treat. Children are least likely to have high levels of cholesterol and only need to have their levels checked once or twice before they are 18 years old. However, if the child has risk factors for higher levels of cholesterol, they should get monitored more frequently. Typically, men tend to have higher levels of cholesterol throughout life than women. Variation of recommended levels tends to change due to other health conditions and considerations.

By comparison, acceptable levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in children are different. The best recommendation for children and adolescents to keep cholesterol levels in check is living a healthful, active lifestyle. This includes eating a healthful diet and getting plenty of exercise. Sedentary, overweight children who eat a diet high in processed foods are most likely to have high cholesterol. Children who have a family history of high cholesterol may also be at risk.

Generally, the earlier an adult starts living a healthful lifestyle, the better for their cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels build over time. A sudden change in lifestyle will help eventually, but the older a person is, the less impact they will see in cholesterol levels. All adults should stay active and maintain regular exercise routines.

Women going through menopause and adults with high levels of cholesterol may want to consider medication that will help reduce cholesterol levels more rapidly than diet alone. High cholesterol at any age puts a person at risk for heart disease, heart attack, and strokes. These risks only increase over time, especially for adults who are not taking action to reduce their cholesterol buildup. Children should see a doctor for cholesterol checks once or twice before the age of 18 but not during puberty.

If the child comes from a family that has a history of heart disease or is overweight or has other health conditions, the recommendation may change. Adults over the age of 20 should see a doctor every 4 to 6 years.