High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the
leading cause of death in the United States. About 17% of adult
Americans have high blood cholesterol (240 mg/dL or more total
cholesterol).
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like
substance found in your body. In fact, it 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, it is deposited in
arteries, including those of the heart, which can lead to narrowing of
the arteries and to heart disease.
High blood cholesterol does not produce symptoms, so many people may
not know that their blood cholesterol is too high. However, blood
cholesterol can be easily checked and can be controlled. Also, there are
things that you can do to help keep your blood cholesterol levels in the
normal range.
Find out more on this Web site about cholesterol, heart
disease, and what you can do to help stay healthy.
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