Your risk for heart disease is partially dependent on your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol contributes to the buildup of plaque on the inside of your artery walls. Over time, LDL cholesterol adds to the buildup, which can lead to an occlusion. When an artery is clogged, less blood moves through. This can result in a heart attack or stroke. As trends regarding the average American's weight become more worrisome, you may also wonder whether the average cholesterol levels are risky, also.
Recommended Cholesterol Levels
Your total cholesterol is the accumulated amount of all types of cholesterol inside your blood. Ideally, total cholesterol should be under 200 mg/dL. High cholesterol begins when your cholesterol levels are at or exceed 240 mg/dL. LDL cholesterol, also termed "bad" cholesterol because it directly contributes to heart disease, should be kept under 100 mg/dL. HDL cholesterol, which is known as the "good" cholesterol because it reduces your risk for heart disease, should be kept above 60 mg/dL.
Average Cholesterol Levels
According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control, most Americans have a healthy cholesterol level. The average total cholesterol level for Americans 20 years old or over is 198 mg/dL, which falls right below the amount still considered to be healthy. About 15 percent of adults over age 20 have high cholesterol in the United States.
Trends
In 2007, for the first time in 50 years, the average cholesterol level finally came into a healthy range. Between 2005 and 2006, the average dropped to 199 mg/dL. Though it's not as low as the average today, it still signifies a trend toward healthier living. Reductions in blood cholesterol may be attributable to an increase in the use and availability of cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Reducing Your Cholesterol
If you are one of the 15 percent of Americans with high cholesterol, you can start to take action to bring your cholesterol level down to a healthy range. Lifestyle changes including maintaining a healthy weight, better dietary habits and regular exercise are the first steps to take. Reduce your consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol, which directly contribute to your total cholesterol levels. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends reducing saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of your total calories and cholesterol intake to 200 mg per day or less. Include 30 minutes of daily exercise to your routine to bring your cholesterol down as well.
References
- American Heart Association: Why Cholesterol Matters
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol; June 2005
- Centers for Disease Control: FAST STATS - Cholesterol; February 18, 2011
- Fox News.com: First Time in 50 Years, Average American Adult's Cholesterol in Ideal Range; December 2007
