Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About High Blood Cholesterol

What is high blood cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and is needed for the body to function normally. Your body makes enough cholesterol for its needs. When there is too much cholesterol in your body—because of diet and the rate at which the cholesterol is processed—it is deposited in arteries, including those of the heart, which can lead to narrowing of the arteries and to heart disease. Find out more about high blood cholesterol.

What are symptoms of high blood cholesterol?
High blood cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, so many people are unaware that their cholesterol level is too high. Simple blood tests can be done to check your cholesterol. If it is found that you have high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe various treatments depending on your risk for developing heart disease. Find out more about high blood cholesterol.

What can you do to about high blood cholesterol?
There are several things that you can do to keep your blood cholesterol normal. These include keeping a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active. Other things such as not smoking also are important. These actions should be a part of your regular lifestyle. If you are found to have high blood cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe medications, in addition to lifestyle changes, to help bring it under control. You should discuss with your health care provider the best ways for you to address these issues. Find out more about preventing and controlling high blood cholesterol.

What is the burden of high blood cholesterol in America?
Approximately 17% of the U.S. adult population has high blood cholesterol. All persons, including children, can develop high blood cholesterol. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United State. See more facts and statistics.

What is the CDC doing to address high blood cholesterol?
The CDC has several programs that address the prevention and control of high blood cholesterol. They include working with state health departments, working with clinics, and laboratory activities. For more information on these programs, please see our CDC addresses high blood cholesterol section.

What can you do to about high blood cholesterol?
There are several things that you can do to keep your blood cholesterol normal. These include keeping a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active. Other things such as not smoking also are important. These actions should be a part of your regular lifestyle. If you are found to have high blood cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe medications, in addition to lifestyle changes, to help bring it under control. You should discuss with your health care provider the best ways for you to address these issues. Find out more about preventing and controlling high blood cholesterol.

What is the burden of high blood cholesterol in America?
Approximately 17% of the U.S. adult population has high blood cholesterol. All persons, including children, can develop high blood cholesterol. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United State. See more facts and statistics.

Page last reviewed: November 8, 2007
Page last modified: November 8, 2007

Content source: Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion