Find Cholesterol Specialists near you

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FAQs:

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance throughout the body. It’s not “bad” unless you have too much of it. Your body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. However, too much cholesterol can pose a problem. Cholesterol comes from two sources. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. The remainder of the cholesterol in your body comes from foods from animals. For example, meat, poultry, and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol.

What is LDL Cholesterol?

LDL cholesterol refers to low-density lipoproteins. These particles are made mostly of cholesterol, which they deliver to your body’s cells. LDLs have a reputation for being the “bad” cholesterol. Why?

LDLs are important to your body. But they become bad when you have too many of them circulating in your blood. They can combine with other substances and build up on the walls of your arteries. These fatty deposits form plaque that gets bigger over time. This plaque growth is called atherosclerosis, and it raises your risk of a heart attack, stroke, and other diseases.

Your LDL cholesterol is a number you want to keep low. For most adults, that means keeping it below 100 mg/dL. If you have a history of atherosclerosis, you should keep your LDL cholesterol below 70 mg/dL.

What is HDL Cholesterol?

HDL cholesterol refers to high-density lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are made mostly of protein. HDL is the “good” cholesterol because it takes extra cholesterol out of your bloodstream and transports it to your liver. Your liver then breaks down the cholesterol and gets rid of it. This process is called reverse cholesterol transport.

Your HDL cholesterol is a number you want to keep high. Men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) should aim for an HDL of at least 40 mg/dL. Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) should aim for an HDL of at least 50 mg/dL.

An HDL above 60 is ideal for all adults and may lower your risk of heart disease.

What is a Good Cholesterol Level?

Your cholesterol numbers show how much cholesterol is circulating in your blood. Your HDL (“good” cholesterol) is the one number you want to be high (ideally above 60). Your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) should be below 100. Your total should be below 200. Talk with your provider about what your results mean for you and how to manage your cholesterol.

How Much Cholesterol Per Day?

If you have risk factors for heart disease, you should not consume more than 200 milligrams of cholesterol a day. If you do not have risk factors for heart disease, you should limit your cholesterol intake to no more than 300 milligrams a day.

Is Cholesterol a Lipid?

Cholesterol is a type of lipid or fat. It travels through the body as a lipoprotein. The two main types are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Cholesterol has an important role in the body, but an excessive amount can lead to a buildup in the arteries. This buildup, known as plaque, can block arteries and lead to potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart disease. Cholesterol is a member of the lipid chemical family. A lipid is a type of fat. A 2021 article clarifies that cholesterol and triglycerides are lipids that are not soluble in water. First, they must bind to protein molecules to easily cross cell membranes, making the combination a lipoprotein.

Is Cholesterol Bad?

Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Sometimes, those deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.

How Long Does It Take to Lower Cholesterol?

It can take 3-6 months to reduce cholesterol by eating healthy and exercising, potentially longer for cisgender females. Some people may still need to take medications. Your cholesterol levels are directly tied to your heart health, which is why it’s so important to make sure they’re in a healthy range.

Is Banana Good for High Cholesterol?

Several fruits are good for balancing the high cholesterol levels of the body. Fruits high in soluble fiber prevent heart diseases such as heart stroke, artery blockage, heart attack, and other heart problems. The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will give one a healthy body and a good immune system.

Are Eggs High in Cholesterol?

Chicken eggs are an affordable source of protein and other nutrients. They're also naturally high in cholesterol. But the cholesterol in eggs doesn't seem to raise cholesterol levels the way some other foods, such as those high in trans fats and saturated fats, do. Health experts now suggest eating as little dietary cholesterol as you can, aiming to keep intake under 300 milligrams (mg) a day. One large egg has about 186 mg of cholesterol — all of which is found in the yolk. If your diet contains little other cholesterol, according to some studies, eating up to an egg a day might be an OK choice. If you like eggs but don't want the cholesterol, use only the egg whites. Egg whites contain no cholesterol but still contain protein. You can also use cholesterol-free egg substitutes, which are made with egg whites.

Is Coffee Bad for Cholesterol?

While coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. The diterpenes in coffee suppress the body’s production of substances involved in cholesterol breakdown, causing cholesterol to increase. Specifically, coffee diterpenes may cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels.

What is a Lipidologist?

A lipidologist is a healthcare provider who’s an expert in lipids. These are the artery-clogging fats we know, including cholesterol. Lipidologists help people with lipid disorders. They do this by going beyond standard blood tests and using their advanced knowledge.

Lipidologists have a deep understanding of lipid disorders. They also know a lot about cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease risk factors. Studies have found a connection between high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and a buildup of plaque (atheroma) in blood vessels. This collection of plaque is atherosclerosis.

When LDL, the cholesterol with a bad reputation, collects in your arteries, it can cause blockages. This is why lipidologists focus on how much LDL you have in your blood. If you have a higher amount of LDL, you’re at a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. Lipidologists help you manage high cholesterol to reduce your risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Heart and blood vessel diseases are major causes of death and disability worldwide. Lipidologists use their expertise to help people at risk for these issues that have high cholesterol as their cause.

Function of Cholesterol in the Body

Cholesterol helps with several functions in the body. It circulates throughout the body in the blood and is found in every cell. The body uses cholesterol to:

1. Help build new tissue and repair damage to existing tissue.

2. Produce steroid hormones, including estrogen.

3. Help create bile in the liver.

4. Aides in the production of vitamin D.

However, too much cholesterol can lead to potentially fatal conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and kidney issues.

Types of Cholesterol 

Cholesterol is a type of lipid or fat that the liver produces. Cholesterol circulates throughout the body and goes wherever the body needs it. There are two types of cholesterol, they include:

1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Doctors often refer to this as “bad” cholesterol. It can cause a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can cause them to stiffen and become blocked.

2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Doctors often refer to HDL as “good” cholesterol. It can help lower the level of bad cholesterol in the body. It does this by transporting the LDL cholesterol back to the liver, where the body breaks it down and releases it. However, HDL only eliminates about 1/4 to 1/3 of the LDL cholesterol.

Triglycerides also play an important role in understanding the potential negative effects of LDL cholesterol on the body. Triglycerides are the most common form of fat found in the body. They come from stored energy from the foods a person consumes. High triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels, combined with low levels of HDL cholesterol, are associated with the buildup of plaque in the arteries and a higher risk of stroke and heart attack.

How to Measure Cholesterol Levels

Your provider checks your cholesterol levels through a blood test called a lipid panel (or lipid profile). Your provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm and send the blood to a lab for analysis. Be sure to closely follow your provider’s instructions on how to prepare for the test. You’ll likely need to fast for 12 hours beforehand. This means avoiding all foods and drinks except water. When your results come in, your provider will let you know. You may also be able to access your results through your electronic medical record. Your lipid panel gives you the following numbers:

1. Total cholesterol: This is the total amount of cholesterol that’s circulating in your blood. Here’s the formula for calculating it: HDL + LDL + 20% triglycerides = total cholesterol.

2. HDL level: HDL is high-density lipoprotein. This is the “good” cholesterol that moves extra cholesterol from your bloodstream to your liver. Your liver then gets rid of it from your body. When you see HDL, think of “h” for helpful. HDLs help your arteries clear out the cholesterol your body doesn’t need. It’s the one number in your lipid panel that you want to be high.

3. LDL level: LDL is a low-density lipoprotein. This is the “bad” cholesterol that contributes to plaque buildup in your arteries. You need some LDLs because they carry cholesterol to your body’s cells. But having too many can cause problems.

4. VLDL level: VLDL is very low-density lipoprotein. It’s another “bad” form that contributes to plaque buildup. VLDLs carry a type of fat (triglycerides) in your blood. If you have too many VLDLs, the extra fat can build up in your arteries.

5. Triglycerides: This is a type of fat. You need some triglycerides. However high levels (hypertriglyceridemia) can put you at risk for atherosclerosis and other diseases.

6. Non-HDL cholesterol: This is all the cholesterol in your blood that isn’t HDL. The formula for calculating this number is simple: Total cholesterol – HDL = Non-HDL cholesterol

7. The ratio between total cholesterol and HDL: This is your total cholesterol divided by your HDL. In general, you want your number to be below five. Your results may show a chart with more details and desirable levels.

5 Signs and Symptoms of High Cholesterol

Typically, there are no symptoms of high cholesterol. However, signs or symptoms of high cholesterol may include:

1. high blood pressure

2. areas of swelling around knuckles, knees, or the back of the ankle (tendon xanthomata)

3. small yellow bumps near the corner of your eyes (xanthelasmas)

4. corneal arcus, a white ring around the iris of the eye

5. stroke or heart attack

Risk Factors of Unhealthy Cholesterol Levels

Factors that can increase your risk of unhealthy cholesterol levels include:

1. Poor diet. Eating too much saturated fat or trans fats can result in unhealthy cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy products. Trans fats are often found in packaged snacks or desserts.

2. Obesity. Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater puts you at risk of high cholesterol.

3. Lack of exercise. Exercise helps boost your body's HDL, the "good," cholesterol.

4. Smoking. Cigarette smoking may lower your level of HDL, the "good," cholesterol.

5. Alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can increase your total cholesterol level.

6. Age. Even young children can have unhealthy cholesterol, but it's much more common in people over 40. As you age, your liver becomes less able to remove LDL cholesterol.

11 Foods to Eat to Lower Cholesterol

Different foods lower cholesterol in various ways. Some deliver soluble fiber, which binds cholesterol and its precursors in the digestive system and drags them out of the body before they get into circulation. Some give you polyunsaturated fats, which directly lower LDL. And some contain plant sterols and stanols, which block the body from absorbing cholesterol.

1. Oats. An easy first step to lowering your cholesterol is having a bowl of oatmeal or cold oat-based cereal like Cheerios for breakfast. It gives you 1 to 2 grams of soluble fiber. Add a banana or some strawberries for another half-gram. Current nutrition guidelines recommend getting 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day, with at least 5 to 10 grams coming from soluble fiber. (The average American gets about half that amount.)

2. Barley and other whole grains. Like oats and oat bran, barley, and other whole grains can help lower the risk of heart disease, mainly via the soluble fiber they deliver.

3. Beans. Beans are especially rich in soluble fiber. They also take a while for the body to digest, meaning you feel full for longer after a meal. That's one reason beans are a useful food for folks trying to lose weight. With so many choices — from navy and kidney beans to lentils, garbanzos, black-eyed peas, and beyond — and so many ways to prepare them, beans are a very versatile food.

4. Eggplant and okra. These two low-calorie vegetables are good sources of soluble fiber.

5. Nuts. A bushel of studies shows that eating almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and other nuts is good for the heart. Eating 2 ounces of nuts a day can slightly lower LDL, on the order of 5%. Nuts have additional nutrients that protect the heart in other ways.

6. Vegetable oils. Using liquid vegetable oils such as canola, sunflower, safflower, and others in place of butter, lard, or shortening when cooking or at the table helps lower LDL.

7. Apples, grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits. These fruits are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that lowers LDL.

8. Foods fortified with sterols and stanols. Sterols and stanols extracted from plants gum up the body's ability to absorb cholesterol from food. Companies are adding them to foods ranging from margarine and granola bars to orange juice and chocolate. They're also available as supplements. Getting 2 grams of plant sterols or stanols a day can lower LDL cholesterol by about 10%.

9. Soy. Eating soybeans and foods made from them, like tofu and soy milk, was once touted as a powerful way to lower cholesterol. Analyses show that the effect is more modest — consuming 25 grams of soy protein a day (10 ounces of tofu or 2 1/2 cups of soy milk) can lower LDL by 5% to 6%.

10. Fatty fish. Eating fish two or three times a week can lower LDL in two ways: by replacing meat, which has LDL-boosting saturated fats, and by delivering LDL-lowering omega-3 fats. Omega-3s reduce triglycerides in the bloodstream and also protect the heart by helping prevent the onset of abnormal heart rhythms.

11. Fiber supplements. Supplements offer the least appealing way to get soluble fiber. Two teaspoons a day of psyllium, which is found in Metamucil and other bulk-forming laxatives, provides about 4 grams of soluble fiber.

Foods to Avoid If You Have High Cholesterol

The AHA advises reducing saturated fat intake to no more than 6% of one’s total daily calories. It suggests limiting the intake of the following foods to achieve this:

- fatty beef

- lamb

- pork

- poultry with skin

- lard and shortening

- dairy products made from whole or reduced-fat milk

- saturated vegetable oils, such as coconut oil, palm oil, and palm kernel oil

Avoiding trans fats is also important. Some foods high in trans fats include:

- packaged cookies, cakes, donuts, and pastries

- potato chips and crackers

- commercially fried foods

- bakery goods that contain shortening

- buttered popcorn

- products containing partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated vegetable oils

The bloodstream absorbs dietary cholesterol poorly and has little effect on cholesterol levels after several hours.

A person may wish to avoid the following foods due to their saturated fat and sodium content:

- red meat

- sausages

- bacon

- organ meats, such as kidney and liver

Best Drinks to Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol is often high due to excessive saturated and trans fat consumption. Certain drinks can help maintain an ideal cholesterol level. Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine. 

1. Green tea

Green tea is not nearly as processed as other types of tea, which allows it to hold onto its natural medicinal properties that have been utilized for centuries. Specifically, green tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants that are reported to help lower LDL cholesterol levels. However, it is important to choose the right green tea as they are not all equal. In general, it is best to choose the green tea brands that are the least processed and most natural. 

2. Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice contains a higher level of antioxidants than other fruit juices such as blueberry, orange, and cranberry juice. It also includes more antioxidants than green tea (approximately three times more). The antioxidant properties may help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Some studies have also suggested pomegranate juice can help lower blood pressure as well. Grape, cranberry, and cherry juice may also help with cholesterol management. 

3. Soy milk

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends 25 grams per day of soy protein. Soy is low in saturated fats, which can help with cholesterol management when replacing other forms of milk consumption. Soy also helps cardiovascular health in other ways as well, which makes soy milk a great choice. 

4. Plant-based smoothies

Plant-based milk typically contains ingredients that assist with cholesterol management. One great way to enjoy the taste and lower cholesterol is through plant-based smoothies. Be sure to add in bananas, grapes, mangos, melons, and other delicious fruits to make a delicious plant-based smoothie that is ideal for heart health. 

5. Red wine

While alcohol in excess is, of course, detrimental to heart health, a moderate level of red wine may help lower cholesterol levels. Red wine, in particular, contains anti-oxidant properties. Therefore, if you enjoy a glass of alcohol occasionally but still need to take care of heart health, red wine is the ideal choice of beverage. Of course, moderation is essential for cholesterol management.

How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Here are ten things you can do to lower cholesterol without the use of medication, including foods that lower cholesterol, light exercise ideas, and more.

1. Read those nutrition labels to avoid trans fats

Nutrition labels can help you understand which good nutrients you’re eating, and they can also help you avoid trans fats, one of the worst ingredients for your cholesterol levels. Trans fats, also known as “hydrogenated oils” or “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil,” are sneaky ingredients that may be good for food manufacturers, but they’re not so good for you.

2. Choose meats with fewer saturated fats, like fish or chicken

For starters, go easy on red meats. Many red meats are high in saturated fats, which can raise bad LDL cholesterol levels. For healthier alternatives, choose skinless chicken or skinless turkey more often, and avoid processed meats. You can also try working more fish into your diet. Fish is low in saturated fats, and many kinds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit your heart health and can boost your good HDL cholesterol levels.

3. Get more soluble fiber with whole grain bread, kidney beans, quinoa, and more

You probably know fiber as something that can help you with your digestive health. But if you thought fiber was only for digestion, think again: It can also help build your cardiovascular health. A low-cholesterol food list is rich in soluble fiber (fiber that can dissolve into water). Soluble fiber grabs cholesterol in your gut – before it gets into your bloodstream – and helps lower bad LDL cholesterol levels.

4. Boost unsaturated fats and fiber by snacking on fruits, vegetables and nuts

Snacking on fruits, vegetables, and nuts not only helps you avoid bad fats but also helps you get good fats and fiber. Raw nuts are high in unsaturated fats – which are the best kind of fats. Nuts are great for a heart-healthy diet because they raise your good HDL cholesterol levels and lower your bad LDL cholesterol levels. Other examples of foods that are high in unsaturated fat include avocados and olives. Nuts – along with many fruits and veggies – can also be a great source of soluble fiber. Adding as many of these foods as you can to your diet can be a double-dose of cholesterol-reducing impact.

5. Embrace low-fat milk, cheese and yogurts

Choosing to lower your cholesterol doesn’t mean you have to give up everything you enjoy – it’s simply about making smarter choices. When it comes to dairy, this is a big area where picking a healthier alternative can be an easy win. For items like cheese, milk, cream, and yogurt, use low-fat dairy products instead of regular versions. If you’re feeling experimental, try soy milk, too. Who knows? It could become your next craving. Making these changes is helpful because full-fat dairy products contain saturated fat as well as cholesterol. By picking a low-fat (or non-fat) version, you’re building healthier levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream.

6. Prepare your food a little differently

It’s not only what you eat – it’s how you eat it. Just as you can change what you buy in the grocery store, you can also choose healthier ways to make your food that help lower your cholesterol naturally. For example:

A. Consider trimming fat and removing the skin (either before cooking or before eating) when cooking meat or fish. This helps you get the protein while reducing fat intake.

B. Focus on boiling, broiling, baking, poaching, or grilling. These are better methods of preparation than deep frying or breading, which can add extra fat.

7. Substitute healthy oils in place of butter and margarine

Of course, it’s not always realistic to avoid fats when you’re whipping up a tasty meal. When you do need to add fat for cooking, baking, or pan frying, use healthy oils instead of solid fats, like butter, margarine, shortening, and lard. Solid fats are high in saturated fats, but oils are high in unsaturated fats, which – remember – are better for you. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends using oils that have less than 4 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon (and no trans fats). Many times, it’s easy to swap a solid fat to a healthier one. Try using olive oil, sunflower oil, or grapeseed oil in place of a solid fat.

8. Try having one vegetarian meal every week

Don’t let the word “vegetarian” scare you. By choosing a smartly prepared vegetarian meal, you’re hitting multiple cholesterol-lowering goals at the same time, like eating healthier fats and getting more soluble fiber. Plus, many vegetarian meals are just as flavorful and filling as their meaty cousins.

9. Work in some more movement to your daily tasks

By keeping your body moving, you’re helping it do what it was meant to do – which can result in all-around health-enhancing perks. This includes raising good HDL cholesterol, managing blood pressure levels, and many other heart-healthy benefits.

10. Work with your doctor on a lower cholesterol plan (especially if you’re overweight or you smoke)

Lowering your cholesterol doesn’t mean going it alone. Your primary care doctor is a helpful partner along your journey. Your doctor can work with you to create an action plan just for you – one that combines diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to help you lower and manage your cholesterol.

5 Ways to Raise Your HDL Cholesterol

Some diet and lifestyle changes help boost HDL cholesterol levels:

1. Get active. Physical activity can boost your HDL level. Get at least 30 minutes a day of moderate activity, most days of the week.

2. Lose extra weight. If you're overweight, losing extra pounds can help raise your HDL levels, as well as cut your LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.

3. Choose better fats. The healthier choices are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. You’ll find these in plants, nuts, and fish like salmon or tuna. And, like everything you eat, keep your portion sizes small. Fats pack a lot of calories in small amounts.

4. Alcohol in moderation. Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol is linked to higher HDL levels. If you don't drink now, check with your doctor before you start, since alcohol has some risks not related to cholesterol.

5. Stop smoking. Kicking the cigarette habit can raise your HDL level.

Tips on How to Manage Cholesterol

Heart-healthy lifestyle changes may help manage cholesterol levels. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) advises the following:

1. Eat a heart-healthy diet: This diet includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with nuts, olive oil, and fish containing omega-3 fatty acids. It also involves limiting one’s intake of foods high in saturated and trans fat, such as fatty cuts of meat and packaged snacks.

2. Get regular exercise: Studies show regular exercise raises HDL and lowers LDL.

3. Try to quit smoking, if applicable: This habit is a major risk factor for heart disease.

4. Try to maintain a moderate weight: If a person has a high body weight or obesity, then losing 3–5% of their overall weight can increase their HDL and lower their LDL.

5. Try to manage stress: Research suggests stress hurts cholesterol.

People with high cholesterol should consult their doctor to find out whether they need medication, as various drugs can lower cholesterol levels.

However, some people may take a medication or have a health condition that is contributing to high cholesterol levels. In those cases, a person’s doctor may change the prescription drug or suggest a different treatment.

Specialists Who Treat High Cholesterol

The cholesterol specialists that help you manage your high cholesterol will depend on things like how high your levels are, what’s causing it, and other medical conditions you have or may be likely to develop.

1. Primary care doctor: You can’t see or feel any warning signs of high cholesterol, so you’re most likely to find out you have high numbers during an annual physical with your primary care doctor. They can talk with you about lifestyle changes, like eating healthier and being more active. They also might talk about medications that can lower your levels. Based on your case, they also may recommend you see other healthcare professionals to help manage your condition. It’s important to see your primary care doctor for regular checkups that include screenings and a blood test to keep an eye on your levels and make sure your treatment plan is working.

2. Lipidologist: This doctor studies fatty substances, like cholesterol, in the blood and finds ways to manage and treat conditions linked to them. A lipidologist might work with your primary care doctor to come up with a treatment plan that could include dietary changes, exercise, and medication.

3. Dietitian: Being overweight can make you more likely to have high cholesterol. So changing how you eat can be a big part of getting control of your numbers. Losing as little as 10 or 20 pounds can noticeably lower your “bad cholesterol” level, especially if you eat a low-fat diet that’s high in fiber and non-starch vegetables. That’s where a dietitian or nutritionist can help. A registered dietitian is an expert in customizing nutrition plans for people with certain health conditions. They can also guide and support you as you change your daily eating habits.

4. Endocrinologist: These doctors specialize in the hormones that circulate throughout your body in your bloodstream. In some people, high cholesterol can be linked to hormonal conditions, including Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Metabolic syndrome, and Cushing's syndrome. If that’s the case, an endocrinologist can prescribe medications that can help with hormone issues and lower cholesterol levels.

5. Cardiologist: High levels of “bad cholesterol,” or LDL, can lead to a buildup of fatty substances in your arteries called plaque. Over time, that can result in a condition called atherosclerosis, which restricts the flow of blood. It’s the most common cause of heart attacks. If your primary doctor finds signs of this or thinks you might be likely to develop it, they’ll recommend that you see a cardiologist, or heart specialist. The cardiologist may do tests to see if you have any blockages and work with other members of your care team to make a treatment plan. In more serious cases, that might include a heart procedure or surgery.

6. Nurse practitioner or physician assistant: These health care professionals can help you manage your high cholesterol by doing blood work to keep an eye on your levels, prescribing medications, and talking with you about lifestyle changes.

Sources:

Heart

Cleveland Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Medical News Today

Healthline

Hindustan Times

Health Harvard

Health Partners

WebMD

Florida Premier Cardio

UCSF Health