8 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FERUARY 2024
What You Need to Know About Cholesterol
STAY IN CONTROL TO HELP PREVENT HEART DISEASE , HEART ATTACK AND STROKE
Family Features Photos courtesy of Getty Images | Source : American Heart Association
Understanding and improving cholesterol is important for people of all ages , including children and teens . Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels can help keep your heart healthy and lower your chances of getting heart disease or having a stroke .
High cholesterol usually has no symptoms . In fact , about 38 % of adults in the United States are diagnosed with high cholesterol , according to the American Heart Association . Understanding what cholesterol is , the role it plays , when to get screened and how to manage it are important aspects of protecting your overall health and prevent a heart attack or stroke .
UNDERSTANDING CHOLESTEROL
A waxy , fat-like substance created by the liver and consumed from meat , poultry and dairy products , cholesterol isn ’ t inherently bad for you . In fact , your body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones .
8 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FERUARY 2024