High cholesterol is often called a “silent” condition because it typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. Over time, though, elevated cholesterol levels can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. About Cholesterol.
According to the latest estimates, more than 86 million U.S. adults have total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL, putting them at increased cardiovascular risk.
While genetics can play a significant role in cholesterol levels, lifestyle factors matter, too.12 “Daily habits, especially around food, movement, smoking, alcohol, stress and sleep, can all play a role in cholesterol management,” says Drew Hemler, M.Sc., RD, CDN, FAND. “The patterns we repeat most often can either support heart health or make cholesterol harder to manage over time.”
Read on to learn the four habits experts recommend avoiding, and what to do instead to help support normal cholesterol levels and a healthier heart.
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