What should my cholesterol level be at my age?
Cholesterol levels vary by age, weight and gender. The body produces more cholesterol over time, so doctors recommend that everyone over the age of 20 check their cholesterol levels regularly, preferably every five years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 94 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In this article, we describe how doctors measure cholesterol and describe health levels and different stages of life. We are also looking for ways to lower cholesterol and maintain good health. What is cholesterol, and how do doctors measure it? Cholesterol is similar in fat but there are two types: low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). If LDL or "bad" cholesterol is too high in the blood, it can accumulate in the arteries and form fat deposits called plaques. These warnings can lead to other problems, including heart attack and stro...