National Cholesterol Education Month

Published on September 13, 2023

September is National Cholesterol Education Month, making it the perfect time for community members to know their cholesterol levels – and take steps to prevent or reduce high cholesterol.  

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. People with high cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease than people with lower cholesterol levels.

An unhealthy lifestyle is the most common cause of high “bad” LDL cholesterol or low “good” HDL cholesterol.

What raises the risk for unhealthy blood cholesterol levels?

• Eating a lot of foods high in saturated fats raises “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in animal products including fatty cuts of meat, cheese, and full fat dairy products. No more than 10% of your daily calories should come from saturated fats.
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol, particularly in women, and raises LDL cholesterol.
• Stress may raise levels of certain hormones, such as corticosteroid. These can cause your body to make more cholesterol.
• Drinking too much alcohol (more than two drinks a day for men or one drink a day for women) can raise your total cholesterol level.

Everyone can benefit from knowing their cholesterol numbers and doing what they can to prevent or reduce high cholesterol levels. Uncontrolled cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke. But high cholesterol has no symptoms, so patients might not know that their cholesterol is too high – unless it’s measured by a doctor with a blood test.

Honor National Cholesterol Education Month by getting to know and control your cholesterol numbers. Adults aged 20 and older should have their cholesterol levels checked every four to six years.

For more resources offered by the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) for healthy lifestyles visit: www.weld.gov/go/HEAL.