Approximately 93 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with high cholesterol each year. Of this number, just a little more than half are receiving treatment. The reason for this is that the body’s metabolism changes as we get older, and our liver can’t properly remove "bad" LDL cholesterol the way it does when we’re young. This normal change can increase the risk of having high cholesterol. It’s also important to note that genetic conditions may increase your risk of developing high blood cholesterol levels.
There are a variety of causes of high cholesterol levels. Lifestyle habits and genes play a role in cholesterol levels. Women have higher levels of LDL cholesterol than men, while men have higher LDL cholesterol. A routine blood test can determine if your cholesterol levels are normal or not. If they’re not, you may need to change your diet and take medicines to reduce your cholesterol level. These medicines can help lower your LDL levels, and keep them within a healthy range.
The best way to control your cholesterol is to follow a heart-healthy diet. A diet low in saturated fat and high in fiber is best. Avoid eating fried foods and red meat. These foods contain saturated fat, which is bad for your heart. They can make your heart engorged with plaque. Keeping your cholesterol levels in check will keep your health under control. In addition to lowering your LDL levels, you should also reduce your sugar and saturated fat intake.