High Blood Cholesterol High Blood Cholesterol Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance that is essential for many basic functions of the human body. But too much cholesterol can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The good news is that lifestyle habits, diet and medication can easily control cholesterol levels. High blood cholesterol is dangerous because it leads to a buildup of fatty substances in the arteries.
Clogged arteries can put a severe strain on the heart and sometimes cause heart attacks or stokes.
The only way to prevent clogged arteries from getting worse is to lower the cholesterol in the blood as soon as possible. The first step in controlling cholesterol is to get a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Healthcare providers agree that a cholesterol level of 200 or less is a desirable level for most adults. Various types of medication are also available to treat high cholesterol, but medication is usually recommended only in cases where other methods haven't reduced blood cholesterol to acceptable levels. If you are over age 40 and have never had a cholesterol test, see your healthcare provider and get started on a regular schedule of medical screenings.