Occasionally, some people develop yellowish growths on their skin called xanthomas, which are cholesterol-rich deposits. People with xanthomas may have high cholesterol levels.
Myth: Eating foods high in cholesterol will not make my cholesterol levels go up.
Fact: This can be tricky. We know that foods that are high in cholesterol usually also contain a lot of saturated fat. Saturated fat can make your cholesterol number higher, so it’s best to choose foods that are lower in saturated fat. Foods made from animals, including red meat, butter, and cheese, are high in saturated fat.
Instead, try to eat foods with lots of fiber, such as oatmeal and nuts, and healthy unsaturated fats, such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts.
Myth: I can’t do anything to change my cholesterol levels.
Fact: You can do a lot to improve cholesterol levels and keep them within a healthy range!
Get tested at least every 5 years (unless your doctor is told otherwise). Make healthy food choices. Limit foods high in saturated fat. Choose natural foods that are high in fiber and unsaturated fats.
Be active every day. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Learn more about physical activity basics and tips.
Do not smoke or use tobacco products. Smoking damages your blood vessels, accelerates hardening of the arteries, and greatly increases your risk of heart disease. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you smoke, quitting will lower your risk of heart disease.
Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to manage your cholesterol; if any medication is given to you to manage your cholesterol, take it as prescribed. Learn more about medications to lower cholesterol.
Know your family history. If your parents or other close family members have high cholesterol, you may need to have more frequent tests. You could have a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).
People with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) or people with very high levels of “bad” cholesterol. FH is a genetic condition that causes very high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol that begins at a young age. If left unchecked, cholesterol levels will continue to worsen. This greatly increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke at a young age.
People with cardiovascular disease (CVD). People with CVD may already have arteries that are narrowed from too much plaque. Medications that lower cholesterol can help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
People with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes lowers HDL or “good” cholesterol levels and increases “bad” cholesterol levels. This combination increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Other groups of people may also need medication for
manage their cholesterol, including those who are at high risk for CVD. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to manage your cholesterol.
Myth: I don’t need statins or other drugs for my cholesterol. I can manage my cholesterol with diet and exercise.
Fact: While many people can achieve good cholesterol levels by making healthy food choices and getting enough physical activity, some people may also need medications called statins to lower their cholesterol levels. The external guideline icon also suggests that drugs other than statins may be needed to help control cholesterol.
People who may need statins or other medications to manage cholesterol levels include the following:
People with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) or people with very high levels of “bad” cholesterol. FH is a genetic condition that causes very high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol that begins at a young age. If left unchecked, cholesterol levels will continue to worsen. This greatly increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke at a young age.
People with cardiovascular disease (CVD). People with CVD may already have arteries that are narrowed from too much plaque. Medications that lower cholesterol can help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
People with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes lowers HDL or “good” cholesterol levels and increases “bad” cholesterol levels. This combination increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Other groups of people may also need medication to manage their cholesterol, including people who are at high risk for CVD. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to manage your cholesterol.
Other groups of people may also need medication to manage their cholesterol, including people who are at high risk for CVD. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to manage your cholesterol.(cdcgov)
–
