High Cholesterol

High cholesterol has no symptoms. A simple blood test tells you where you stand.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in your blood. Your body needs some to build cells. Your liver makes all you need, and you also get some from foods like meat, eggs, and dairy.

There are two main kinds:

LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can stick to the walls of your arteries and build up into plaque.
HDL (“good”) cholesterol carries extra cholesterol back to your liver to get rid of it.

Why it matters

When plaque builds up, your arteries get narrow and stiff. That makes it harder for blood to flow and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Because high cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms, many people don’t know they have it. A simple blood test, healthy habits, and medicine (if your doctor recommends it) can keep your heart healthy for years to come.

Quick facts

About 86 million U.S. adults have total cholesterol above 200, which is higher than healthy.
High cholesterol has no symptoms. Most people find out from a blood test.
LDL is the "bad" cholesterol that builds up in arteries. HDL is the "good" cholesterol that helps clear it out.
Most adults should get their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, or more often if they're at risk.
Kids should be checked once between ages 9 and 11, and again between 17 and 21.

Know the signs

There are usually no signs. A blood test is the only way to know.
High cholesterol can run in families, even in people who are fit and young.
Having diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or smoking raises your risk.

If a parent or grandparent had a heart attack or stroke at a young age, ask your doctor about testing early.

What you can do today

Ask about a cholesterol test at your next checkup.
Eat more fiber, like oatmeal, beans, apples, and vegetables. Fiber helps lower LDL.
Choose foods with less saturated fat. Try grilled instead of fried, and lean meats instead of fatty ones.
Get moving for 30 minutes on most days. Activity can raise your HDL.
If you smoke or vape, get help to quit. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free help.

When to see a doctor

You're an adult and haven't had your cholesterol checked in the last 5 years.
High cholesterol or early heart disease runs in your family.
You have diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity.
You've been prescribed cholesterol medicine and have questions or side effects.

Call 911 for signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, face drooping, arm weakness, or trouble speaking.

From trusted health sites

Up-to-date info about high cholesterol from U.S. government health websites.

From MyHealthfinder (health.gov)

Helpful links

Hand-picked pages from trusted health organizations.

Printed from https://chshealthcare.org/topics/high-cholesterol/ · Know Your Health, Clyde · Clyde High School CmPS 2026–27