Cholesterol Levels for Seniors: What Seniors Need to Know
Everyone’s favorite topic: cholesterol. No, no I didn’t think so.
We all fear that one topic our doctor will raise with us: “So, your cholesterol level…”
But if you didn’t know, cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all of our body’s cells.
We need healthy levels to produce key hormones and vitamins, but too much can lead to plaque buildup and heart disease.
Cholesterol management becomes especially important as we age since risks increase significantly for seniors.
Understanding optimal cholesterol levels for seniors, screening guidelines, and reduction methods empowers older adults to keep this vital health metric in balance.
Table of Contents
Cholesterol Cholesterol Levels for Seniors: The Basics
Cholesterol travels through our bloodstream attached to specialized proteins called lipoproteins.
- LDL cholesterol: Known as “bad” cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol to tissues and arteries, where it can cause blockages.
- HDL cholesterol: Called “good” cholesterol, HDL picks up excess cholesterol and transports it to the liver for removal.
- Triglycerides are the main form of dietary fat. Excess triglycerides also contribute to plaque.
Total cholesterol combines LDL, HDL, and 20% of triglycerides. Doctors use blood tests to measure these levels and assess your health risks.
Healthy Ranges for Seniors
The National Institute on Aging provides the following recommended ranges for seniors:
- Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL is ideal. Ranges of 200–239 are borderline high, while over 240 is considered high.
- LDL cholesterol: the optimal level is below 130 mg/dL. 130–159 is borderline high, while over 160 is high.
- HDL cholesterol (over 60 mg/dL) is considered protective.
- Triglycerides: below 150 mg/dL is optimal. Over 200 is considered elevated.
A total cholesterol ratio comparing total cholesterol to HDL offers a good snapshot. The ideal ratio is under 3.5 for seniors.
Clear? If not, don’t worry, come back to this page if you need to, or more importantly, consult your doctor about the results.
Screening Recommendations
Medical groups like the American Heart Association advise:
- All seniors get screened at least annually.
- Screenings start at age 40 for men and 50 for women.
- Those with risk factors like obesity, smoking, diabetes, or family history should start screenings earlier, at age 20.
A simple blood draw is all that’s needed for a cholesterol check.
Screening is essential since high cholesterol has no obvious symptoms. Review results annually with your doctor and discuss ways to reach healthy levels.
Dangers of High Cholesterol
Elevated LDL cholesterol strongly correlates with cardiovascular disease. The excess LDL leads to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, called atherosclerosis. This narrows the vessels and reduces blood flow, depriving the heart and brain of oxygen. High cholesterol dramatically increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Other Consequences:
- Fatty deposits form plaques within artery walls throughout the body. This can limit the blood supply to the eyes, kidneys, legs, etc.
- Plaque ruptures can break off and cause clots that block blood flow.
- Narrowed penile arteries reduce blood supply, leading to erectile dysfunction.
- Gallstones may form with an oversaturation of cholesterol.
- Excess cholesterol in the bile can lead to liver damage.
Reducing Risk Factors
The risk of atherosclerosis increases significantly after age 60. But seniors can take action to control modifiable risk factors:
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke; it lowers LDL while boosting HDL.
- Exercise boosts HDL, reduces triglycerides, and helps manage a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol. Heavy use elevates triglycerides and blood pressure.
- Manage stress. Chronic stress contributes to high cholesterol.
- Treat contributing conditions: diabetes, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, etc.
The most impactful ways seniors can lower cholesterol involve improving their diet and losing excess weight if needed.
Dietary Approaches to Lowering Cholesterol
Nutritional strategies can significantly reduce LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
- Reduce saturated fat: found in fatty meats, whole dairy, palm, and coconut oils. Causes LDL levels to spike.
- Eliminate trans fats, found in deep-fried foods and many processed baked goods, snacks, and spreads. Trans fats both raise LDL and lower HDL.
- Increase dietary fiber: Soluble fiber from oats, beans, apples, and nuts helps excrete cholesterol.
- Consume more plant sterols, which are found naturally in vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Block cholesterol absorption.
- Use healthy fats. Replace saturated fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from plant oils, avocados, nuts, and fish.
- Avoid excess sugar; it reduces levels of good HDL cholesterol.
A heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy oils slashes cholesterol risks. Seniors should discuss any major dietary changes with their physician and registered dietitian.
Supporting Cholesterol Management
Family members can aid their senior loved ones in lowering their cholesterol by providing helpful tools and resources.
- A digital food scale helps accurately measure food portions and servings. It is useful for controlling calories and saturated fat.
- Food journals: recording meals and nutritional intake helps identify problem areas.
- Pedometer: Tracks daily steps to encourage more physical activity. Aim for 10,000 steps per day.
- Insulated lunch bags make it easy to pack heart-healthy lunches to avoid fast food temptations.
- Herb garden kits provide seasoning alternatives to salt, which can raise blood pressure.
DASH diet cookbooks: The DASH diet is proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Fish oil supplements: If recommended by their physician, quality fish oil capsules provide heart-healthy omega-3s.
Providing thoughtful tools like these makes it simpler for seniors to implement the diet and lifestyle changes that support healthy cholesterol levels.
Medical management options
If cholesterol remains uncontrolled through lifestyle changes, medications may be warranted. Statin drugs lower LDL levels by 30–50% in most patients and can significantly reduce risks. Other options include:
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors block absorption in the small intestine.
- Bile acid sequestrants bind to bile acids containing cholesterol for removal.
- PCSK9 inhibitors target LDL receptors for increased breakdown.
- Niacin boosts HDL while lowering LDL and triglycerides.
Medications may cause side effects like muscle pain. Always consult with your doctor on proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
The Takeaway
Keeping cholesterol levels well-managed is one of the most impactful steps seniors can take to maintain heart health. This goes for you and me too.
Get screened annually, know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and work with your physician to reach optimal ranges.
Small, daily efforts to improve your diet, stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce stress can keep your risks low. With ongoing self-care and proper medical care, your golden years can be enjoyed with the vitality of a healthy heart.
Giving gifts like digital food scales, exercise trackers, and healthy cookbooks shows your commitment to helping people manage their cholesterol. Support makes a difference in their motivation and treatment success.
If you’re now thinking about your own cholesterol levels, please check out Medical News Today to get more information on Cholesterol levels by age, weight, and sex.