Cholesterol

Cholesterol

“The only way to know whether you have
high cholesterol is to get your
cholesterol checked by your health care team”.1

Umbrella

What may the Cholesterol Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Bad Cholesterol (LDL)
  • Blood Cholesterol/Serum
  • Good Cholesterol (HDL)
  • High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Lipids
  • Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
  • Total Cholesterol
  • Triglycerides

Definition

What is cholesterol?

DotS the definition of cholesterol may vary. The (United States) National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) definition is:

“Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs for good health, but in the right amounts”.2

The National Heart Foundation of Australia’s (NHFA) definition is:

“Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance necessary to make hormones and vitamin D, and to help you digest food. Your body produces cholesterol, and it’s also in some foods.

The human body uses cholesterol to build cells, but too much can put you at risk of heart disease”.3

Good Cholesterol

What is good cholesterol or high-density lipoproteins (HDL)?

DotS the definition of HDL may vary. In High Cholesterol – Symptoms, Causes & Levels: Cholesterol Explained – What Is ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ Cholesterol? the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) definition is:

“High-density lipoproteins (HDL) or ‘good’ cholesterol takes cholesterol that you do not need back to your liver. The liver breaks it down and it’s passed out of your body. It helps get rid of bad cholesterol from your blood”.4

Bad Cholesterol

What is bad cholesterol or non-high density liproteins (non-HDL)?

DotS the definition of non-HDL may vary. In High Cholesterol – Symptoms, Causes & Levels: Cholesterol Explained – What Is ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ Cholesterol? the BHF’s definition is:

“Non-high density lipoproteins (non-HDL) or ‘bad’ cholesterol takes cholesterol from your liver to cells around your body. If you have too much it gets stuck to the walls of your arteries and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. This is mostly made up of LDL cholesterol, which is a type of bad cholesterol”.5

Triglycerides

What are triglycerides?

Dots the definition of triglycerides may vary. In Blood Cholesterol: What Is Blood Cholesterol? Cholesterol and Triglycerides the NHFA explain:

“riglycerides are the most common fat in the body. Being overweight, eating a lot of high fat and sugary foods, or drinking too much alcohol can increase your triglyceride levels. High triglycerides, along with either increased LDL cholesterol or decreased HDL cholesterol can increase your chances of developing fatty build-ups in the arteries – and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke”.6

High Cholesterol

Why is high cholesterol bad for you?

In Blood Cholesterol: What Is Blood Cholesterol? Why Is High Cholesterol Bad for You? the NHFA elaborate on:

“If you have high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. This makes it difficult for blood to flow through the arteries. If these deposits break apart, they can form a clot that leads to a heart attack or stroke”.7

Symptoms

What are symptoms of high cholesterol?

In Blood Cholesterol: Symptoms the NHLBI note:

“High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol usually do not cause symptoms. Most people do not know they have high blood cholesterol until they have a blood test during a routine healthcare visit”.8

CholesterolCause

What causes high cholesterol?

In Blood Cholesterol: Causes and Risk Factors – What Raises the Risk for Unhealthy Blood Cholesterol Levels? the NHLBI elaborate on:

“Unhealthy lifestyle habits:

  • Eating a lot of foods high in saturated fats…
  • Lack of physical activity…
  • Smoking…
  • Stress…
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Getting little or low quality sleep…

Family History…
Other Medical Conditions…
Medicines…
Age…
Race or Ethnicity…
Sex”…9

Common or Not

How common is high cholesterol?

According to the CDC:

“Millions of people in the United States have high cholesterol.10

Heart Disease, Heart Attack and StrokeCholesterol

Is there an association between heart disease, heart attack and stroke and cholesterol?

In What Is Cholesterol? Why Does Cholesterol Matter? the (United States) American Heart Association (AHA) explain:

“Cholesterol travels through your blood, and when levels increase, your risk of heart disease and stroke can go up. Getting your cholesterol tested helps you understand your levels and protect your heart health”.11

Prevention

How may high cholesterol be prevented?

In Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia): Know Your Levels – and What To Do About Them the AHA elaborate on:

  • “Eating a heart-healthy diet…
  • Getting regular physically activity…
  • Quitting smoking…
  • Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight
  • Getting 7-9 hours per day of restful sleep…”.12

Know Your Numbers

How important is it to know your numbers?

In Know Your Numbers It Could Just Save Your Life Go Red for Women explain:

“It is vital for all women to understand their personal risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Knowing your risk starts with knowing four important health numbers — total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index. Having these numbers in check and at healthy levels can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Talk to your health care provider today about your numbers, what they mean, and how you can manage them. Your heart and well-being depend on it”.13

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have high cholesterol or I have a family history of high cholesterol?

If you think you have high cholesterol or you have a family history of high cholesterol it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Cholesterol: About Cholesterol – How Do I Know If I Have High Cholesterol? the CDC explain:

“The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get your cholesterol checked by your health care team. Talk with your health care team about how often you should have your cholesterol screened”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Cholesterol?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Cholesterol?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 5 Ways To Increase HDL
  2. A Diet That Lowers Cholesterol As Much As A Statin? Portfolio Diet
  3. Blood Cholesterol
  4. Blood Cholesterol: What Is Blood Cholesterol? [+ Video: Cholesterol and Heart Disease | Heart Foundation]
  5. Blood Cholesterol: Causes and Risk Factors
  6. Blood Cholesterol: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
  7. Blood Cholesterol: Treatment
  8. Can We Reduce Vascular Plaque Buildup?
  9. Causes of High Cholesterol
  10. Cholesterol
  11. Cholesterol
  12. Cholesterol
  13. Cholesterol (High Blood Lipids) and Heart Disease In Women
  14. Cholesterol Levels: What You Need To Know
  15. Cholesterol Medications
  16. Cholesterol Medicines Guide
  17. Cholesterol Myths and Facts
  18. Cholesterol and Heart Disease
  19. Cholesterol and Heart Disease: The Role of Diet
  20. Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements May Be Helpful
  21. Cholesterol: About
  22. Cholesterol: Cholesterol Lowering Medicines
  23. Cholesterol: Fact versus Fiction
  24. Cholesterol: LDL and HDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides
  25. Cholesterol: Myths and Facts
  26. Cholesterol: Preventing High Cholesterol
  27. Cholesterol: Risk Factors for High Cholesterol
  28. Cholesterol: Testing for Cholesterol
  29. Cholesterol: Treat and Manage High Cholesterol
  30. Cholesterol: Top Foods To Improve Your Numbers
  31. Common Misconceptions About Cholesterol
  32. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Menopause and Heart Disease
  33. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit
  34. Control Your Cholesterol
  35. Do Statins Cause Weight Gain?
  36. Do Statins Increase Dementia Risk?
  37. Doctors Should ‘Prescribe’ Exercise for Adults With Slightly High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol
  38. Eating Walnuts Every Day Could Lower Bad Cholesterol In Older Adults
  39. Eggs: Are They Good or Bad for My Cholesterol?
  40. Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)
  41. Fat: The Facts
  42. Fats Explained
  43. Fats, Oils and Heart Health
  44. February Is American Heart Month
    Cholesterol
  45. Five Ways To Lower Cholesterol
  46. Get Your Cholesterol Checked
  47. Getting Serious About Heart Health: Risk Factors for Cholesterol
  48. Goredforwomen.org [Go Red for Women, United States]
  49. Give Your Good Cholesterol A Boost
  50. Goredforwomen.org [Go Red for Women, United States]
  51. HDL (Good), LDL (Bad) Cholesterol and Triglycerides
  52. Healthy Eating
  53. Healthy Living
  54. Heart-Health and Cholesterol In Menopause
  55. Heartuk.org.uk [Heart UK: The Cholesterol Charity
  56. Here’s the Latest on Dietary Cholesterol and How It Fits In With A Healthy Diet
  57. High Cholesterol
  58. High Cholesterol
  59. High Cholesterol Treatment: Does Cinnamon Lower Cholesterol?
  60. High Cholesterol – Symptoms, Causes & Levels
  61. High Cholesterol: Diagnosis & Treatment
  62. High Cholesterol: What Is High Cholesterol?
  63. How Do Statins Lower Cholesterol? With Tamanna Singh, MD
  64. How Does Menopause Affect Cholesterol Levels?
  65. How Menopause Affects Cholesterol Levels, and Ways To Manage It
  66. How Much Cholesterol Per Day Is Healthy?
  67. How To Eat Less Saturated Fat
  68. How To Get Your Cholesterol Tested
  69. How To Lower Cholesterol With Diet
  70. How To Make Healthy Food and Healthy Lifestyle Choices Now
  71. How To Naturally Lower Your Cholesterol
  72. Is High Cholesterol Hereditary?
  73. It’s Time To… Read My Lips
    Cholesterol
  74. Know Your Numbers
  75. LDL and HDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides
  76. Life’s Essential 8
  77. Life’s Essential 8 for Women
  78. Mayo Clinic Minute: Best Cooking Fats for Healthy Cholesterol Levels [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  79. Mayo Clinic Minute: What High Triglycerides Mean and Why It Matters To Your Heart [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  80. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Cholesterol – Know Your Numbers
  81. Menopause Can Bring Increased Cholesterol Levels and Other Heart Risks. Here’s Why and What To Do About It
  82. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  83. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  84. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise
  85. Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia): Know Your Numbers and What to Do About Them – Losing Weight [+ Video: How To Manage High Cholesterol]
  86. Statin Side Effects: Weight the Benefits and the Risks
  87. Statins
  88. Statins and Diabetes: What You Should Know
  89. Statins, Risk, and Personalised Care
  90. Take Your Cholesterol Meds: Stopping Statins Can Cause Dangerous Side Effects
  91. Top 5 Lifestyle Changes To Improve Cholesterol
  92. Triglycerides: Why Do They Matter?
  93. Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels
  94. What Is Cholesterol? Why Cholesterol Matters [+ Video: What Is Cholesterol?]
  95. What It Means If You Have ‘Sticky’ Cholesterol?
  96. What’s the Best Diet for High Cholesterol?
  97. What’s the Connection Between Statins and Diabetes?
  98. World Heart Day [29 September]
  99. World Stroke Day [29 October]
  100. You Can Prevent Heart Disease. Yes, YOU
    Cholesterol

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Cholesterol: About Cholesterol – How Do I Know If I Have High Cholesterol? 15 May 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/about/index.html Accessed: 21 June 2026
  2. Blood Cholesterol: What Is Blood Cholesterol? Last Updated: 17 April 2024. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-cholesterol Accessed: 21 June 2026
  3. Blood Cholesterol: What Is Blood Cholesterol? Last Updated: 12 May 2026. Last Reviewed: 19 November 2024. National Heart Foundation of Australia https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/high-blood-cholesterol Accessed: 21 June 2026
  4. High Cholesterol – Symptoms, Causes & Levels: Cholesterol Explained – What Is ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ Cholesterol? Page Updated: 16 January 2026. British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/risk-factors/high-cholesterol Accessed: 21 June 2026
  5. High Cholesterol – Symptoms, Causes & Levels: Cholesterol Explained – What Is ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ Cholesterol? Page Last Updated: 16 January 2026. British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/risk-factors/high-cholesterol Accessed: 21 June 2026
  6. Blood Cholesterol: What Is Blood Cholesterol? Cholesterol and Triglycerides. Last Updated: 12 May 2026. Last Reviewed: 19 November 2024. National Heart Foundation of Australia https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/high-blood-cholesterol Accessed: 21 June 2026
  7. Blood Cholesterol: What Is Blood Cholesterol? Why Is High Cholesterol Bad for You? Last Updated: 12 May 2026. Last Reviewed: 19 November 2024. National Heart Foundation of Australia https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/high-blood-cholesterol Accessed: 21 June 2026
  8. Blood Cholesterol: Symptoms. Last Updated: 18 April 2024. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/blood-cholesterol/symptoms Accessed: 21 June 2026
  9. Blood Cholesterol: Causes and Risk Factors – What Raises the Risk for Unhealthy Blood Cholesterol Levels? Last Updated: 19 April 2024. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/blood-cholesterol/causes Accessed: 21 June 2026
  10. Cholesterol: About Cholesterol – Key Facts. 15 May 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/about/index.html Accessed: 21 June 2026
  11. What Is Cholesterol? Why Does Cholesterol Matter. Last Reviewed 13 March 2026. American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol Accessed: 21 June 2026
  12. Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia). Know Your Levels – and What To Do About Them. Last Reviewed: 16 March 2026. American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/PreventionTreatmentofHighCholesterol/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-High-Cholesterol_UCM_001215_Article.jsp Accessed: 21 June 2026
  13. Know Your Numbers It Could Just Save Your Life. Go Red for Women https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/know-your-numbers Accessed: 27 September 2025
  14. Cholesterol: About Cholesterol – How Do I Know If I Have High Cholesterol? 15 May 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/about/index.html Accessed: 21 June 2026
Topic Last Updated: 21 June 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 21 June 2026

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by
Copyright © 2011 – 2026 Meno Martha®. All Rights Reserved. | The information provided on  Meno Martha, Meno Martha International Menopause Directory and/or menomartha.com is for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for or replace the medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of your qualified health care providers. | By using this service you accept Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Terms of Use which incorporate Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy. | Meno Martha® is a registered Trademark | Meno Martha International Menopause Directory® is a registered Trademark.
Meno Martha and/or Meno Martha International Menopause Directory do not sell, produce or endorse any products, services or content of any kind including pills or potions for ‘menopause symptom relief’. Please Contact Us if you see or receive any advertisements allegedly by, for or on behalf of Meno Martha and/or Meno Martha International Menopause Directory.