06/16/2026
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
Know Your Numbers. Protect Your Heart.
What Is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol, but too much can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of:
❤️ Heart attack
❤️ Stroke
❤️ Peripheral artery
High cholesterol is often referred to as a "silent condition"; most people experience no symptoms. A simple blood test can help detect it early.
Know Your Numbers
Test Healthy Goal
Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
LDL ("Bad") Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL
HDL ("Good") Cholesterol: 60–80 mg/dL or higher
Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
Understanding Cholesterol
LDL (Bad Cholesterol): Builds plaque inside arteries.
HDL (Good Cholesterol): Helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Triglycerides: High levels can also contribute to artery narrowing.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
Diet
Foods high in saturated fats and trans fats
Excess sugar and highly processed foods
Lifestyle
Lack of physical activity
Obesity
Smoking or to***co use
Excess alcohol intake
Genetics
Inherited conditions such as Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) can cause high cholesterol even with healthy habits.
Medical Conditions
Type 2 diabetes
Kidney disease
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Cardio-kidney-metabolic syndrome
HIV infection
Cancer history or current cancer diagnosis
Healthy Habits That Lower Cholesterol
Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
Choose more:
✅ Vegetables and fruits
✅ Whole grains
✅ Beans and legumes
✅ Nuts and seeds
✅ Fish and lean proteins
✅ Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado)
Limit:
❌ Fried foods
❌ Processed foods
❌ Foods high in saturated fat
❌ Added sugars and excess sodium
Stay Active
Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days per week.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Even modest weight loss can improve cholesterol levels.
Avoid To***co Products
Smoking lowers good cholesterol (HDL) and damages blood vessels.
Prioritize Sleep
Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Manage Other Health Conditions
Keep blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol under control.
Screening Recommendations
Adults (Age 19 and Older)
✔ Cholesterol panel including:
Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]
Recommended at least once in adulthood. Elevated levels are often inherited and may increase heart disease risk.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
May be helpful for people with:
High triglycerides
Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan
May be considered for:
Men age 40 and older
Women age 45 and older
This test helps detect early plaque buildup when treatment decisions are uncertain.
Children Need Screening Too
High cholesterol can begin in childhood.
Children ages 9–11 years should have cholesterol screening if they have not already been tested.
Talk with your child's health care provider if there is a family history of:
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Stroke
Special Considerations for Women
Certain pregnancy and reproductive conditions can increase future heart disease risk.
Share your pregnancy and reproductive history with your health care team and know your:
Cholesterol numbers
Blood pressure
Blood sugar
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Medications May Be Needed
Lifestyle changes are the first step, but some people also need cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins.
If you experience side effects, speak with your health care provider. Other treatment options are available.
Do not stop medications without discussing them with your provider.
Important Reminder About Supplements
Dietary supplements are not recommended for cholesterol management.
Always discuss vitamins, herbs, or supplements with your health care provider because some may interact with prescription medications.
Need Additional Support?
For further assistance with understanding, managing, and treating high cholesterol, patients may contact the providers at:
Heavenly Helpers Concierge Medical Services
Our providers are available to help you:
Understand your cholesterol numbers
Identify your personal risk factors
Develop a heart-healthy lifestyle plan
Discuss screening recommendations
Review medication options and treatment plans
Support long-term cardiovascular wellness
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward better heart health.
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEART HEALTH
✔ Know your numbers
✔ Eat healthy foods
✔ Exercise regularly
✔ Avoid to***co
✔ Maintain a healthy weight
✔ Get regular checkups
Early action can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Talk with your health care team about the screenings and treatments that are right for you.
Disclaimer
This educational material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, nurse practitioner, or other qualified health care provider regarding any medical condition or before making changes to your medications, diet, or exercise routine. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of information contained in this flyer.
Heavenly Helpers Concierge Medical Services does not guarantee specific health outcomes. Individual treatment plans should be developed in consultation with your health care provider based on your unique medical history and needs.
Call now to connect with business.