What is high cholesterol?

High cholesterol means that you have too much cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a type of fat. It's needed for many body functions, such as making new cells. It's made by your body. It also comes from food you eat (meat and dairy products).

Having high cholesterol can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque (say "plak") in artery walls. This can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

High cholesterol doesn't cause symptoms in most people. It's usually found during a blood test that measures cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol is diagnosed with a blood test. The test measures the level of total cholesterol plus the level of different types of cholesterol and fats in your blood. These include LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. High cholesterol levels don't cause symptoms. A blood test is the only way to know your cholesterol levels.

The two types of treatment for high cholesterol are lifestyle changes and medicines called statins. The goal of treatment is to reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. It's not to lower your cholesterol numbers alone.

Lifestyle changes include:

• Eating heart-healthy foods.
• Losing weight if you need to, and staying at a healthy weight.
• Being active on most, if not all, days of the week.
• Not smoking.

Some people also take medicines called statins, along with lifestyle changes, to reduce their risk.

The way you choose to lower your risk will depend on how high your risk for heart attack and stroke is. It will also depend on how you feel about taking medicines. Your doctor can help you know your risk and balance the benefits and risks of your treatment options.

Taking your medicine correctly and having a heart-healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk for a heart attack or stroke. This lifestyle is important, even if you also take medicines for high cholesterol.

To have a heart-healthy lifestyle:

• Eat heart-healthy foods. These foods include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit things that aren't so good for your heart, like sodium, alcohol, and sugar.
• Be active. Try to do moderate activity at least 2½ hours a week. Or try to do vigorous activity at least 1¼ hours a week.
• Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
• Don't smoke. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines.
• Manage other health problems. These include diabetes and high blood pressure. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.