High cholesterol is a leading risk factor in heart disease, the number one killer of American women as of 2011. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults aged 20 and older have a lipid profile done once every five years. A lipid profile measures a woman's total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides and can give an idea about a woman's risk for heart disease.
Total Cholesterol
The desirable total cholesterol for a 49-year-old woman is less than 200 mg/dL. Keeping cholesterol within the desirable range lowers a woman's risk for coronary artery disease. If a woman's cholesterol level falls between 200 and 239 mg/dL, it is considered borderline high and risk of coronary artery disease is increased. High blood cholesterol, which is defined as 240 mg/dL or higher, doubles the risk of developing coronary artery disease.
LDL Cholesterol
What is considered normal LDL cholesterol for a 49-year-old woman can differ based on individual risk factors, such as history of heart disease and lifestyle habits. The American Heart Association provides general recommendations, but you should work with your doctor to determine your specific desired levels.
In general, LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dL is considered ideal. LDL cholesterol levels between 100 and 129 mg/dL are considered near ideal. If a woman's cholesterol falls between 130 and 159 mg/dL, it is classified as borderline high and LDL cholesterol between 160 and 189 mg/dL is high. LDL cholesterol levels of 190 mg/dL or higher significantly increase the risk of coronary artery disease.
HDL Cholesterol
With HDL cholesterol, higher numbers are better. HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries and can actually reduce the risk of heart disease. The desirable cholesterol level for a 49-year-old woman is 60 mg/dL or higher. An HDL level of less than 50 mg/dL increases a woman's risk for heart disease.
Triglycerides
Although not technically considered cholesterol, triglycerides are another type of lipid that circulates throughout the bloodstream. Like cholesterol, excess amounts of triglycerides increase your risk of heart disease and because of this, are often included in a lipid profile. A woman's triglyceride level should be less than 150 mg/dL. Triglyceride levels between 150 and 199 mg/dL are borderline high and levels between 200 and 499 mg/dL are high. Triglycerides of 500 mg/dL or higher are very high and significantly increase the risk of heart disease.
