HDL Cholesterol by Age and Gender: How Your Levels Change Over Time

June 15, 2023

LDL cholesterol (LDL) is the "bad" cholesterol, which carries cholesterol to your body's cells and builds up in the arteries. It can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems if it's too high.

The "good" cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), moves extra cholesterol from the bloodstream to your liver, where it can be broken down and excreted. It also helps keep artery walls clear of plaque, which can lead to heart disease and other health problems.

A healthy balance between the two is needed for your heart and overall health. Doctors recommend checking your HDL and LDL levels regularly. The American Heart Association says that adults and children should have their cholesterol tested every four to six years.

As your cholesterol level changes over time, you need to keep track of your LDL and HDL ranges. Your age, as well as gender, affects HDL cholesterol level. Compared to adult men, children, and women have higher HDL cholesterol. 

To learn more about how your HDL cholesterol level changes over time, continue reading.

What Is HDL Cholesterol?

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also called the "good" cholesterol, removes artery-clogging LDL cholesterol from your blood vessels to your liver. It helps reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
HDL levels are measured in a blood test called a lipid panel, which also measures total cholesterol. In a healthy person, HDL levels are 40 mg/dL or higher for men and 50 mg/dL or higher for women.

Increasing your HDL cholesterol level through diet and lifestyle changes is a safe and effective way to improve your health. Some measures that improve HDL include moderate exercise, weight loss, and stopping smoking.

Do HDL Cholesterol Level Changes by Age and Gender?

There are a number of factors that affect your HDL cholesterol, including diet, weight, and physical activity. Your sex, your age, and your genetics can also affect your cholesterol level. For example, females have higher HDL levels than males because estrogen (female sex hormone) boosts good cholesterol.

For men, the ideal HDL cholesterol level is 40 mg/dL or higher. On the other hand, the ideal HDL cholesterol level in women is 50 mg/dL or higher. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, starting at age 20.

Apart from gender, the level of HDL cholesterol also changes due to age. As you get older, your cholesterol level changes naturally. The ideal level of HDL for kids (children below 19 years of age) is greater than 45 mg/dL, which helps lower their risk of heart disease and stroke later in life.
The best way to boost your child's HDL cholesterol is by reducing the amount of saturated and trans fats in their diet. Replace them with healthy fats such as unsaturated fatty acids from plant foods, nuts, seeds, and avocados.

HDL Cholesterol Range by Age and Assigned Sex

Your body needs cholesterol, a waxy fat that helps build healthy cells. But too much of the "bad" kind can clog your blood vessels and increase your risk for heart disease. In order to lower the bad cholesterol, you need to raise the good or HDL cholesterol. Here are some details about the healthy range of HDL cholesterol by age and assigned sex.

Males 19 and Younger: More than 45 mg/dL

For males below 19 years of age, the HDL cholesterol level should be 45 mg/dL or higher. If the HDL levels fall below 45, there will be a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish, coupled with moderate alcohol consumption, can help keep your cholesterol in check.

Males 20 and Older: More than 40 mg/dL

For males older than 20 years of age, healthy HDL levels are more than 40 mg/dL. As you age, your cholesterol level increases, so you need to keep the LDL low and focus on increasing your HDL cholesterol. Make sure your HDL levels don't fall below 40.

Females 19 and Younger: More than 45 mg/dL

HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is the best-known lipid that helps remove LDL from your arteries. Optimal HDL levels for females below 19 years of age is 45 mg/dL or higher. Follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly to keep your HDL level in a healthy range.

Females 20 and Older: More than 50 mg/dL

Normal cholesterol levels vary by age, gender, and weight. Females above 20 years of age should have HDL cholesterol levels above 50 mg/dL, which is considered a protective level. Higher levels of HDL help to remove artery-clogging LDL from your blood vessels and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

What Affects HDL Cholesterol Levels?

High cholesterol is when you have too much of the bad type of cholesterol (LDL) or not enough of the good type of cholesterol (HDL). Good cholesterol is important for your body as it helps to prevent heart disease and stroke. However, there are many factors that affect your HDL level. Here are some of the most common factors.
● Genetics
● Sex
● Age
● Weight
● Sedentary Lifestyle
● Diet
● Race And Ethnicity
● Smoking

Conclusion

HDL cholesterol is the "good" form of cholesterol because it removes LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream and protects arteries. You want a good balance between these two types of cholesterol. However, your HDL cholesterol changes over time as you age. There are several factors that influence age-related changes in cholesterol levels, including diet, weight gain, and a decrease in body fat. Apart from that, your assigned sex may also affect HDL levels. Women tend to have more HDL than men because estrogen boosts good cholesterol. So, make sure you check your lipids regularly and make necessary changes to maintain a balance between good and bad cholesterol.

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