Cholesterol is a type of fat in your blood. Having too much cholesterol in your blood means that you have a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, lowering your cholesterol lowers your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. There are many things you can do to lower your cholesterol level.
Your physician may prescribe medication, such as a statin, to help bring your levels down. Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat can also help lower cholesterol. There are three main parts of cholesterol you can learn about below: LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol) and triglycerides. Other things you can do to help control your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke are to stop smoking if you smoke, lose weight if you are overweight, get regular physical activity, choose healthy foods and manage your stress. Click on any of these links for more information and ideas.
Here's What You Can Do (PDF)
Statin Therapy (PDF)
Low HDL? (PDF)
High Triglycerides? (PDF)
Building Healthy Meals (PDF)
How Fats Compare (PDF)
Heart Healthy Food Questionnaire (PDF)
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