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High cholesterol is common in our community—but it doesn't have to be your story. Get the facts, know your options, and take control of your heart health.
Know Your Numbers
High cholesterol is super common, and a lot of folks don't even know they have it. Cholesterol and triglycerides are fats that move through your blood. Your body needs some of them — but when levels get too high, they can mess with your heart and blood vessels.
LDL is the "bad" cholesterol that sticks to your blood vessels like gunk in a drain. It builds up on artery walls, forms plaque, and can block blood flow — leading to heart attack or stroke. Keeping LDL low is major.
HDL is the cleanup crew. It picks up extra cholesterol — including LDL — and carries it back to your liver to get cleared out. Higher HDL means more heart protection. So if your HDL is high, that's a win.
Your body creates triglycerides from extra calories you don't burn. High triglycerides raise your risk of heart disease — especially when combined with high LDL or low HDL. Together, they make plaque form even faster.
Treatment Options
There are solid meds and lifestyle moves that can bring cholesterol numbers down and protect your heart. Never stop your medicine without talking to your doctor first.
Statins are the go-to cholesterol medicine. Most people take them once a day, usually at night when your liver is busy making cholesterol. Statins slow that process down, which helps pull LDL out of your bloodstream.
These newer cholesterol injections help your liver remove more LDL from your blood. Many people see their LDL drop by 50% or more. Side effects are usually mild, like a sore injection spot.
50%+ LDL reductionOnly twice a year after the first two doses. It works by helping your liver make less PCSK9. Great for people who struggle with daily pills or need long-term control.
A pill that works kind of like a statin but with less chance of muscle pain. It can be taken alone or with other cholesterol meds — a solid option for statin-intolerant patients.
Consistency is Key
High cholesterol doesn't come with warning signs. You can feel fine and still have numbers that put you at risk. When you stop your meds, that risk goes right back up — even if nothing feels different.
You don't have to rely on memory. A simple alarm at the same time every day makes taking your meds automatic.
A weekly pill organizer lets you see at a glance whether you've taken today's dose — no guessing required.
Put them near your toothbrush, coffee maker, or nightstand — somewhere you already go every single day.
Write down your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels each time you get tested. Watching your numbers improve is powerful motivation.
Lab tests are the only way to know if your treatment is really working. Think of lab work as a check-in, not bad news.
Strong or lasting muscle pain, dark-colored urine, yellowing of skin or eyes, or extreme tiredness — these are signs to call right away.
Food & Movement
High cholesterol doesn't have to control your health story. You can protect your heart without giving up the foods and traditions you love — just tweak how you prepare them.
Use plant oils like olive, avocado, or sunflower instead of butter, lard, or shortening. Small swap, big difference.
Oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, or whole-wheat pasta help your body remove excess cholesterol naturally.
Half plate of veggies, a quarter lean protein like baked chicken or fish, a quarter whole grains. Simple and powerful.
Grill, bake, or air fry instead of deep frying. Try collard greens in vegetable broth instead of pork fat.
Use herbs, garlic, onion, or smoked paprika instead of heavy salt. Your ancestors would still be proud.
Enjoy peach cobbler or banana pudding for special occasions and savor smaller portions. You don't have to quit — just be mindful.
30 minutes a day, even in short bursts
Tech for Your Health
These apps make it easier to stay organized, track changes, and walk into appointments fully informed. Bring your app data to every visit — it gives your doctor a clearer picture of what's happening between visits.
Navigate the System
With the right information, you can get the medicines, tests, and support you need — without extra stress or surprise costs. Here's how to make your insurance work for you.
Lift Every Voice
Your experience matters. When you share your story, you help others in our community feel seen, understood, and less alone. Every voice lifts someone else up.
Share Your Story