Those aged 18 to 39 years had a significantly lower average concentration of non- HDL-cholesterol (3.06 mmol/L) than the 40 to 59 and 60 to 79 age groups (3.68 mmol/L and 3.47 mmol/L, respectively). Note 5 The average non- HDL-cholesterol was 3.39 mmol/L for adults aged 18 to 79 (Chart 1). Management by behavior change and/or pharmacological treatment is recommended when non- HDL-cholesterol is at or above 4.2 mmol/L. Non- HDL-cholesterol levels are considered healthy for some individuals at low cardiovascular risk and most individuals at intermediate risk when below 4.2 mmol/L. Note 5 Non- HDL-cholesterol is derived from the calculation of total cholesterol minus HDL-cholesterol. Non- HDL-cholesterolĪccording to the 2021 Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines, non- HDL-cholesterol should be considered as an alternate blood measure for the screening of individuals requiring treatment of unhealthy blood cholesterol. Note 1 The CHMS 2016-2019 Note 4 results show that adults aged 18 to 79 have an average blood concentration of HDL-cholesterol of 1.59 mmol/L for females and 1.27 mmol/L for males (data not shown), and was similar across all age groups (data not shown).

The HDL levels are considered ideal when greater than 1.3 mmol/L for females and greater than 1.0 mmol/L for males. The average blood concentration of LDL-cholesterol for the 18 to 39 age group (2.51 mmol/L) was significantly lower than the one measured in the 40 to 59 age group (3.02 mmol/L) and the 60 to 79 age group (2.80 mmol/L) (Chart 1) this was consistent with data analyzed in the previous Fact Sheet using Cycle 3 data (2012-2013). LDL-cholesterol levels greater than 3.5 mmol/L are considered elevated for some people at low cardiovascular risk and most individuals at intermediate risk and may need behavior modifications and/or pharmacological treatment Note 5 (see About cholesterol). The blood concentrations of LDL-cholesterol that are considered healthy or non-healthy for a person depend on their cardiovascular risk, which is determined by taking into account risk factors such as age, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, etc. Results from the 2016-2019 Note 4 CHMS indicate that in adults aged 18 to 79, the average blood concentration of LDL-cholesterol was 2.77 mmol/L. Average cholesterol levels LDL-cholesterol

Recent CHMS results show that, despite elevated blood cholesterol being a well-known and documented risk factor for cardiovascular disease, there is a fair percentage of the Canadian population who are showing high levels of LDL-cholesterol and non- HDL-cholesterol. Note 1 To limit trans-fat intake as much as possible in the diet, the Government of Canada has prohibited the use of partially hydrogenated oils by the food industry. For example, a diet rich in trans-fat and saturated fat, obesity, diabetes, a lack of exercise, and smoking could increase the risk of having high levels of blood cholesterol. Note 1 Note 2 Unhealthy levels of cholesterol can be inherited and can also result from lifestyle choices. Note 1High levels of LDL-cholesterol and non- HDL-cholesterol, along with low levels of HDL-cholesterol increase risk for cardiovascular disease. Note 1 Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) and non- HDL-cholesterol, or ‘bad’ cholesterol, can form fatty deposits in the arteries. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) is commonly known as the ‘good’ cholesterol because it removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. There are different types of cholesterol circulating in the blood stream. Cholesterol is produced by the liver and also comes from the diet. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is essential to bodily functions.

The Canadian Health Measure Survey (CHMS) has been collecting blood cholesterol data since 2007.

Ldl cholesterol range