Welcome to the Heart Hub
Our hub will help you learn more about the heart — the core point of your cardiovascular system. Here you'll find learning tools and tips designed to educate you about this important organ and why it's so important to keep it healthy.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance that travels throughout the body in low-density (LDL) and high-density (HDL) forms. High LDL cholesterol, sometimes known as “bad cholesterol”, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease as it can contribute to the creation of fatty deposits in arteries called plaques. Higher HDL cholesterol, sometimes known as "good cholesterol" can help to reduce cardiac risk, as it brings cholesterol back to the liver for removal.
Why Is It Important to Know Your Cholesterol Levels? How to Test and Learn About Your Risk
Cholesterol levels are known to play a role in your risk of developing cardiovascular and other health conditions. Usually, there are no symptoms of high cholesterol so it’s important to get tested to know your levels.
High Cholesterol: Effects on health
High cholesterol often shows little to no symptoms. When left undiagnosed, it can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Early detection is crucial for better health outcomes.
Good and Bad Cholesterol Explained
All of us are born with cholesterol naturally circulating in our bodies and we require a certain level of cholesterol to live a healthy life, which is why it is important to know the difference between good and bad cholesterol.
High cholesterol often has no symptoms¹
The number of U.S. adults with high cholesterol (>200 mg/dL)²
25 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol³
Have high LDL (bad) cholesterol?
Learn more with LetsGetChecked.
What does Having High LDL Cholesterol Mean
High levels of LDL can increase the chances for plaque deposits to build up, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. What do different levels of LDL mean? LDL cholesterol levels can mean different things to different people, depending on the number of other risk factors.
High LDL: What Should Your Next Steps Be?
Your doctor will assess your overall risk for cardiovascular disease and provide you with advice on how to manage your unique risk factors. This may include changes to your diet and lifestyle, cholesterol-lowering medications, and management of conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
What Can Be Done to Treat High LDL Cholesterol?
The good news is that once you know your cholesterol levels you can take action, with the help of your healthcare professional, to improve your LDL cholesterol and reduce your cardiac risk. In this article, we will cover some of the ways that you can improve your LDL cholesterol and reduce your cardiac risk.