High Cholesterol

Know Your Numbers, Protect Your Heart

Cholesterol is a fatty substance needed by the body. But high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) can build up in your arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Types of Cholesterol

LDL (Bad): Causes plaque build-up in arteries
HDL (Good): Helps remove bad cholesterol
Triglycerides: Another type of fat in the blood

Ways to Improve

Eat a heart-healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
Take prescribed medications

Key Takeaways

High LDL increases heart risk HDL is protective for your heart Diet and exercise make a big difference Regular tests help monitor levels