Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol also comes from the foods you eat.
If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up on the walls of your arteries. This buildup is called "plaque." As your arteries narrow, your chances of getting heart disease or stroke increase.
You can help lower your cholesterol by exercising more, quitting smoking, and eating more fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains. If these don't work, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications like statins.
We recommend getting your cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years starting at age 20. People with high cholesterol should be tested more often.
In summary, high cholesterol is a key risk factor for heart disease. Know your levels, and take action to stay in the healthy range through diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and medications if needed. Small changes can make a big difference in lowering high cholesterol!