High cholesterol - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Overview Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood The body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells But high levels of cholesterol can raise the risk of heart disease With high cholesterol, fats and other substances can build up in blood vessels called arteries This buildup is called plaque As more plaque forms over time, the arteries can become narrowed or clogged That makes
High cholesterol - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic Total cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol Triglycerides In general, you can't have food or liquids other than water for around 9 to 12 hours before the test This is called fasting Some cholesterol tests don't require fasting, so follow your healthcare professional's instructions Interpreting the numbers In the United States
Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers - Mayo Clinic Can a bowl of oatmeal help lower your cholesterol? How about a handful of almonds? A few simple tweaks to your diet — along with exercise and other heart-healthy habits — might help you lower your cholesterol Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which reduces your
Cholesterol test - Mayo Clinic A cholesterol test is an important way to check your health High cholesterol levels often are a key risk factor for a common type of heart disease called coronary artery disease Coronary artery disease can lead to conditions such as heart attack and stroke
Top 5 lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol - Mayo Clinic High cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease and heart attacks Medications can help improve your cholesterol But if you'd rather first make lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol, try these five healthy changes If you already take medications, these changes can improve their cholesterol-lowering effect
Eggs: Are they good or bad for my cholesterol? - Mayo Clinic Are chicken eggs good or bad for my cholesterol? Chicken eggs are an affordable source of protein and other nutrients They're also naturally high in cholesterol But the cholesterol in eggs doesn't seem to raise cholesterol levels the way some other foods, such as those high in trans fats and saturated fats, do
Cholesterol medications: Consider the options - Mayo Clinic A healthy lifestyle is the first defense against high cholesterol But sometimes diet and exercise aren't enough You might also need to take cholesterol medications to help: Decrease your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol that increases the risk of heart disease