Tips On…High Cholesterol

Not all types of cholesterol are the same. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol can actually protect against heart disease and so is thought of as "good cholesterol." Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" kind that builds up to cause blockages in blood vessels, leading to heart attack, stroke or other problems. Total cholesterol is a combination of HDL, LDL and triglycerides.

When there is too much bad cholesterol in the blood you can be at risk for heart disease.Contact your health care professional for your individual cholesterol goals based on your risks.

Preventive Measures

• Discuss with your doctor whether you need medicine to help lower your cholesterol level
• Read labels on food packages
• Eat low-fat, low-cholesterol foods - the American Heart Association recommends limiting cholesterol in your diet to 300 milligrams per day
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Discuss an exercise program with your doctor
• Stop smoking.