What Can I Do to reduce Cholesterol?

Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to cardiovascular disease . People whose total cholesterol level is 240 mg/dL have twice the risk of coronary heart disease as people whose cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL. Half of all Americans age 20 and older have a cholesterol level that is too high (200 mg/dL or higher). You can make many lifestyle changes to reduce your cholesterol level and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

7 steps to reduce cholesterol

1. Eat foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
2. Lose weight if you need to.
3. Exercise for a total of at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week.
4. If needed take cholesterol lowering medicine, because changing the diet isn't enough.
5. Learn all the facts about cholesterol.
6. Have regular screenings.
7. If you need to lower your cholesterol level, set up a plan.

Reduce your risk of heart attack — take responsibility for managing your cholesterol levels. By reducing your blood cholesterol level, you'll cut your risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke.