High Cholesterol Management

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a substance found in the blood and is important for good health. The problem is that for some, too much cholesterol increases your risk for heart attacks, strokes and other health problems. The higher your cholesterol level, the higher your risk of these conditions. High cholesterol can be caused by factors within your control like being overweight, lack of physical activity and an unhealthy diet but may also be caused by factors beyond your control like your age or family history.

What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?

There are different types of cholesterol some of these are "good" and some are "bad." Blood tests are needed to figure out what types of cholesterol you may have.

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

You can work with your healthcare provider about your overall risk of heart attacks and strokes. High cholesterol alone is not always a reason to worry about your risk for these since other factors may be important such as cigarette smoking, high blood pressure or having a family member who got heart disease at a young age (younger than 55 for men and younger than 65 in women).

Treatment may include medications, changes to your diet or activity or for more tests. In addition, you may be referred to a specialist.