Is Gender a Factor in Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of protein in your body. Cholesterol levels change significantly as you age, but can also vary by gender. You are at risk for heart disease if your total cholesterol level is above 240 mg/dL, regardless of your gender, according to the American Heart Association.

Facts

• Your blood cholesterol level starts increasing during your 20s and then tapers off after the age of 65, according to Discovery Health.

Types

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as "good" cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as "bad" cholesterol. Ideally, your total cholesterol level should reflect high levels of HDL and low levels of LDL cholesterol.

Men

• Men are predisposed to high total blood cholesterol levels, according to Discovery Health. In fact, the American Heart Association reports that men are at a greater risk of a fatal heart attack than women are.

Women

• Women have naturally high levels of HDL cholesterol. However, Discovery Health reports that HDL levels decrease and LDL levels increase once you hit menopause.

Prevention/Solution

• There are certain lifestyle changes you can make to reduce cholesterol, including regular exercise, a healthy diet and not smoking. Men should be especially conscious of this before the age of 45 and women should take special care after menopause.