High Cholesterol: Know Your Numbers and Protect Your Heart 

High cholesterol often has no symptoms, so you may not know your cholesterol is too high unless you have it checked. Knowing your numbers can help you understand your risk for heart disease and take steps to protect your heart.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 86 million U.S. adults had high or borderline-high cholesterol between 2017 and 2020, representing nearly 1 in 3 adults. High cholesterol can affect younger people, too.

How Do You Know if You Have High Cholesterol?

The only way to know your cholesterol levels is through a blood test. A simple test called a lipid profile measures cholesterol and other fats in your blood and can help your health care provider better understand your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Your provider can also help you understand what your cholesterol numbers mean and whether you should make lifestyle changes, take medication or consider other steps based on your overall health and risk factors.

How to Help Lower Your Cholesterol

High cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Healthy lifestyle changes can help manage cholesterol and support your overall heart health.

Move more: Regular physical activity can help improve cholesterol levels and strengthen your heart. Even adding a brisk walk to your day is a good place to start.

Choose healthier fats: Use unsaturated fats, such as extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil, in place of saturated fats like butter when possible.

Limit fried foods and red meat: Choose lean proteins and foods prepared by baking, grilling or roasting more often.

Eat more heart-healthy foods: Include whole grains, beans, nuts, fruits, vegetables and fatty fish as part of a balanced diet.

Avoid tobacco: If you smoke or use tobacco, quitting can significantly improve your heart health.

Limit alcohol: Drinking less alcohol can help support your overall health and reduce certain heart disease risk factors.

Maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight, losing even a modest amount of weight may help improve cholesterol levels and other heart disease risk factors.

“Knowing your numbers is an important first step. Small, healthy changes can make a difference, and your health care team can help you determine what approach is right for you,” said Tawnia Allyn, a Population Health and Wellness Nurse at CRMC.

When Should You Have Your Cholesterol Checked?

How often you need a cholesterol test depends on your age, health history and risk factors. Your health care provider can recommend a screening schedule that is right for you.

Lifestyle changes are an important part of managing high cholesterol, but they may not always be enough. Some people also need medication to lower their cholesterol and reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.

Do you know your cholesterol numbers? Call 218-546-7000 to schedule an appointment with your CRMC primary care provider about cholesterol screening, your heart health and steps you can take to reduce your risk.