Control Cholesterol - Life's Essential 8 Health Factor

Summary

Control Cholesterol is one of the health factors outlined in Life’s Essential 8™, the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, as defined by the American Heart Association. Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. Key details listed below.

Understand Cholesterol

• Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that comes from two sources: food and your body.
• It is only found in foods from animal sources. It travels in the body by lipoproteins (LDL and HDL).
• High cholesterol can affect your heart and brain health. It can lead to heart disease and increase the risk of some types of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease.
  • HDL = good: High-density lipoprotein is known as “good” cholesterol.
  • LDL = bad: Low-density lipoprotein is known as “bad” cholesterol.

HDL helps keep LDL from sticking to artery walls. This reduces plaque buildup and lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.
heart.org/cholesterol

Track Levels

• A health care professional can check your cholesterol with a simple blood test and explain what it means for your health.
• Keep track of your cholesterol numbers. If you have high cholesterol, take steps to reduce it. 

Don't miss our Tips for Success found here and the Fact Sheet infographic and other multimedia on the right column.

How to lower your risk for cardiovascular disease

• Know your numbers and follow the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8™
  • Health Behaviors: Eat better, be active, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep.
  • Health Factors: Manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar, manage blood pressure.

Please consult with your physician or healthcare team about what is best for your health.

Helpful Links:

• Statements & Guidelines | Statistics
• Embargo and Recording Policies
• Images | General B-roll and Animations
• Association Newsroom | @HeartNews 

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective:214-706-1173; AHAcommunications@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org