👥 COMPARISON

Total Cholesterol: Young Adults vs Older Adults

Compare health metrics between young adults and older adults.

Young Adults (18-29)
172 mg/dL
Median (50th percentile)
Difference
14.5%
At median
Older Adults (60-69)
197 mg/dL
Median (50th percentile)
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  • Group A has no percentile data
  • Group B has no percentile data

💡 Key Insight

There is a notable difference in total cholesterol: Older Adults (60-69) have 14.5% higher values compared to Young Adults (18-29).

Percentile Comparison

PercentileYoung Adults (18-29)Older Adults (60-69)Difference
5th106 mg/dL131 mg/dL+23.6%
25th145 mg/dL170 mg/dL+17.2%
50th172 mg/dL197 mg/dL+14.5%
75th199 mg/dL224 mg/dL+12.6%
95th238 mg/dL263 mg/dL+10.5%
Mean172 mg/dL197 mg/dL+14.5%

Visual Comparison

Young Adults (18-29)Older Adults (60-69)
5th
106
131
25th
145
170
50th
172
197
75th
199
224
95th
238
263

🔬 Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Risk

Total cholesterol was the original cardiovascular risk marker, but modern understanding emphasizes the LDL/HDL balance and other factors. The relationship between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol is more nuanced than previously thought.

Key Research Findings

  • LDL particle number may predict risk better than LDL concentration
  • HDL functionality (not just level) affects cardiovascular protection
  • Triglyceride/HDL ratio is an emerging risk marker
  • Statin therapy decisions now incorporate 10-year ASCVD risk scores
📚 Research Note: The 2018 ACC/AHA guidelines shifted toward risk-based treatment decisions rather than targeting specific cholesterol numbers.
Sources: AHA, NIH

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why is total cholesterol similar between Young Adults (18-29) and Older Adults (60-69)?

Cholesterol levels are influenced by diet, genetics, hormones, and age. Understanding demographic variations helps personalize cardiovascular risk assessment.

Source: AHA

How should I interpret my total cholesterol compared to these benchmarks?

Find your appropriate demographic group and percentile range. Being in the 25th-75th percentile (middle 50%) is typical. Percentiles below 5th or above 95th may warrant discussion with a healthcare provider, though clinical context is essential—a single measurement rarely tells the whole story.

Source: Clinical Guidelines

How reliable is this comparison data?

This data comes from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a continuously conducted survey that uses rigorous sampling methodology to represent the U.S. civilian non-institutionalized population. Sample sizes typically exceed 5,000 per demographic group, with weighted analysis accounting for the complex survey design.

Source: CDC NHANES

What This Comparison Means

Understanding differences in total cholesterol between young adults (18-29) and older adults (60-69) is important for:

  • Accurate benchmarking – Compare yourself to the appropriate reference population
  • Clinical interpretation – Healthcare providers use demographic-specific ranges
  • Research understanding – Biological and lifestyle factors influence these differences
  • Personalized health goals – Set realistic targets based on your demographic
⚠️ Important: These are population averages. Individual variation within each group is significant. Always consult healthcare providers for personal health advice.

Исследовать Эту Метрику

📊 Посмотреть полные бенчмарки Total Cholesterol с интерактивным калькулятором процентилей

📊Data Transparency & Sources