![]() Learn more about getting your cholesterol checked.ĭiabetes mellitus. Your health care team can do a simple blood test, called a “lipid profile,” to measure your cholesterol levels. The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get your cholesterol checked. High blood cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms. There are two main types of blood cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which is considered to be “bad” cholesterol because it can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which is considered to be “good” cholesterol because higher levels provide some protection against heart disease. This leads to narrowing of the arteries and can decrease the blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys, and other parts of the body. If we take in more cholesterol than the body can use, the extra cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries, including those of the heart. Your liver makes enough for your body’s needs, but we often get more cholesterol from the foods we eat. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver or found in certain foods. You can lower your blood pressure with lifestyle changes or with medicine to reduce your risk for heart disease and heart attack. The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to measure your blood pressure. High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. The high pressure, if not controlled, can affect your heart and other major organs of your body, including your kidneys and brain. It is a medical condition that happens when the pressure of the blood in your arteries and other blood vessels is too high. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. ![]() What health conditions increase the risk of heart disease? But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you can control. Some risk factors for heart disease cannot be controlled, such as your age or family history. About half of all Americans (47%) have at least 1 of 3 key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Several health conditions, your lifestyle, and your age and family history can increase your risk for heart disease. You can take steps to lower your risk for heart disease by changing the factors you can control.
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