Why Cholesterol Matters as You Age
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to function—but too much can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
As you get older, it's especially important to keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range to protect your heart and brain.
Understanding the Numbers
Your provider may order a cholesterol blood test (lipid panel) to measure:
|
Type of Cholesterol |
What It Means |
Ideal Range* |
|
LDL ("bad") |
Can build up in arteries |
Below 100 mg/dL |
|
HDL ("good") |
Helps remove bad cholesterol |
Above 40–60 mg/dL |
|
Triglycerides |
Another type of fat in your blood |
Below 150 mg/dL |
|
Total Cholesterol |
Overall cholesterol level |
Below 200 mg/dL |
*Ranges may vary based on your health history. Your doctor may set different goals if you have heart disease, diabetes, or other conditions.
Tips to Lower and Manage Cholesterol
🥗 Eat for a Healthy Heart
- Choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
- Eat lean proteins like fish, poultry, and beans
- Use healthy fats: olive oil, avocado, nuts
- Limit saturated fats (in red meat, butter, cheese) and trans fats (in processed foods)
🏃 Move Your Body
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days (walking, swimming, dancing, etc.)
- Even short daily walks help improve cholesterol and heart health
- Talk to your healthcare provider before starting new exercises
⚖️ Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Losing even a few pounds can improve your cholesterol
- Focus on steady, healthy changes — not crash diets or “fad” diets
- Ask your healthcare provider what your ideal weight is
🚭 Avoid Smoking
- Quitting smoking can increase your HDL (good) cholesterol and improve circulation
- If you need help quitting, talk to your healthcare provider about support programs or medication
🍷 Limit Alcohol
- Too much alcohol can raise triglycerides
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation – ask your healthcare provider what an appropriate amount is for you
🩺 What About Medication?
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your healthcare provider may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medicine like a statin.
- Take medications exactly as prescribed
- Don’t stop them without talking to your prescriber
- Report any side effects (like muscle pain or fatigue)
Your provider may also recommend follow-up blood tests to monitor progress.
🧠 Did You Know?
Managing cholesterol can also help reduce the risk of:
- Stroke
- Memory loss
- Kidney problems
It’s about more than just numbers — it’s about living well and staying independent.
Helpful Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What are my cholesterol numbers, and what do they mean?
- Should I be taking medication for my cholesterol?
- How can I safely be more active?
- What foods should I eat more — or less — of?
- When should I have my cholesterol checked again?
- Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.
Final Thought
You’re never too old to take charge of your heart health.
With small, steady changes, you can lower your cholesterol and feel your best at any age.