How do I know if I have high cholesterol?

What can I do about it?

Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of high cholesterol. The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is to be tested. Testing is easy and fairly painless. Everyone over the age of 20 should have a cholesterol test.

Chest pain, dizziness, and/or shortness of breath are symptoms of coronary heart disease. High cholesterol can contribute to coronary heart disease.

The first line of defense against too much blood cholesterol is a diet that is rich in foods that lower cholesterol. A healthy diet should include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fiber, and be low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. For the vast majority people, eating healthy and losing excess weight are ideal ways to lower elevated cholesterol levels and keep those levels within a healthy range for life.

Even those foods or supplements that may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol need to be part of an overall heart-smart diet. Having oatmeal for breakfast and a glass of wine at dinner is fine, but if you add whole milk and butter to the oatmeal or have a Porterhouse steak with the wine, you're not doing your heart any favors.

So choose your foods wisely, and if a particular food or supplement appears to help, be sure to include it. But remember: Moderation is key. Don't overdo it with any supplement or food because, in some cases, that can cause just as many problems as high blood cholesterol.

You may be surprised to learn that alcohol can help lower cholesterol. Read on to discover how drinking in moderation can be beneficial.

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The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.