General Overview

High cholesterol is excess levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol in the blood consists of three main components: low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins, and triglycerides.

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InDepth

Find answers in our in-depth report on cholesterol:

• What are lipid disorders?
• What are the symptoms?
• What are the risk factors?
• How are the conditions diagnosed?
• What are the treatments?
• What are the screening tests?
• How can I reduce my risk?
• What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

Living With High Cholesterol

Achieving and maintaining a healthful weight

Never mind the fad diets, weight-loss pills, and zany herbal remedies—it all comes down to a balanced diet and a regular exercise program.

Seven sizzling ways to stop smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the most daunting challenges you'll face in your life. It's an addiction that is both physical and psychological, but quitting smoking can be done.

Start a regular exercise program

Exercise helps keep your body healthy and your tissue and organs working properly. In keeping your body in good working order, exercise also helps ward off many diseases.

Tips for safely using medications

Whether it's a drug prescribed by a healthcare professional or just a bottle of Tylenol, medications require some special care.

Changing Your Diet

Eating out: good for the tastebuds, bad for the waistline

The more often you eat food prepared away from home, the more calories you consume, the less healthful the meals, and the heavier you become. Learn tips on becoming a calorie-conscious restaurant diner.

Changing Your Diet (Continued)

Eating a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol

A high level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack. Learn about the different kinds of fats and how you can make better food choices.

Getting to the heart of a healthful diet

A heart-healthy lifestyle isn't about deprivation. It's about eating more—more fruits, more vegetables, more whole grains, and more unsaturated fats.

Special Topics

Cholesterol guidelines

On July 13, 2004, a government-appointed panel of experts from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) issued an update on cholesterol guidelines for men and women considered at risk of heart attack or stroke. Learn about the panel's recommendations.

Cholesterol and your heart: where do we stand?

Cholesterol. You've heard it's "bad for you," but why? Where does it come from? Does it do anything besides clog your arteries?

Related Conditions

• Angina
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Obesity

Natural and Alternative Treatments (By Condition)

• Angina
• Atherosclerosis and heart disease prevention
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart attack
• High cholesterol
• High homocysteine
• High triglycerides