High Cholesterol & Obesity1
What most people call high cholesterol is a condition in which three important fats found in your bloodstream go out of balance:
- levels of LDL cholesterol, also called "bad cholesterol," are too high
- levels of triglycerides are too high
- levels of HDL cholesterol, also called "good cholesterol," are too low
People who are overweight or obese are more likely to have high cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor for stroke and heart disease, as well as diabetes.
Fortunately, a lot can be done to bring these risks down and get your cholesterol to where it should be, including:
- Working with your doctor to take stock of your condition
- If you smoke, quitting
- Managing your weight
- Becoming more active
- Working with your doctor to see if medication is an option
Reference
1. American Heart Association Web site, accessed September 13, 2011 at http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/UnderstandYourRiskforHighBloodPressure/
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