CROSBY — High cholesterol often has no symptoms, which means many people may not know their levels are too high. Cuyuna Regional Medical Center encourages community members to know their numbers and take steps to protect their heart health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 86 million U.S. adults had high or borderline-high cholesterol between 2017 and 2020 — that’s nearly one in three adults.
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High cholesterol can also affect younger people, with about one in five teenagers having an unhealthy cholesterol level between 2009 and 2016.
The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is to get it checked. A simple blood test called a lipid profile can measure your cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke, but there are steps you can take to help manage your cholesterol and protect your heart:
- Move more: Aim for a 10-15 minute brisk walk each day.
- Choose healthier fats: Use extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter.
- Cut back on fried foods and red meat.
- Avoid tobacco: Quit smoking and avoid tobacco use.
- Limit alcohol.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: Cho...