High Cholesterol Causes and Treatment

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat your body needs to build cells and make hormones. Your liver naturally produces the cholesterol you need—but you also get it from certain foods.

There are two main types:

• HDL (the “good” cholesterol): Helps remove cholesterol from your bloodstream.

• LDL (the “bad” cholesterol): Can build up in your arteries, raising the risk of heart disease or stroke.

Keeping these levels balanced is key to your heart health.

What causes high cholesterol?

Some causes of high cholesterol are out of your control—like age, family history or certain health conditions (for example, thyroid or kidney disease). But others can be managed. You can help lower your risk by:

• Limiting foods high in saturated or trans fats

• Staying active most days

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Avoiding tobacco

Even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

Symptoms to watch for

High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. Over time, extra LDL cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, leading to coronary artery disease, heart attacks or strokes.

That’s why regular checkups and blood tests are so important—so you know your numbers before problems start.

How it’s diagnosed

A simple blood test, called a lipid panel, measures your cholesterol levels. Your doctor will review your results and help you understand what they mean for your overall heart health.

High cholesterol treatment and prevention

High cholesterol can be treated and prevented through lifestyle changes, medications and heart-healthy habits that lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and improve overall cardiovascular health. There’s good news—you can take steps today to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart:

• Eat heart-healthy foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

• Move your body: Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Even modest weight loss can improve your numbers.

• Quit smoking: Stopping improves HDL (“good”) cholesterol and overall heart function.

• Follow your doctor’s advice: If prescribed, medications can help keep cholesterol levels in check.

Good health is a whole-person approach—combining medical care, healthy habits and personalized support so you can live life with confidence.

Final thoughts from Dr. T

Your care team can connect you to wellness programs, nutrition support and preventive screenings that can make managing your cholesterol easier.

Remember, small steps, steady support, lasting health.

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