What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a molecule found in foods and also produced in our own bodies. This molecule is essential for normal bodily function, but too much can be bad. Over the past few decades we have learned that high levels of cholesterol can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by forming plaques that block and damage arteries. More importantly, we have discovered that we can dramatically reduce the risk of developing these diseases in many people if we reduce their cholesterol levels.
Why is my Cholesterol level high?
The cholesterol which is found in our bodies comes from two sources. Some cholesterol comes directly from our diet. While some foods have no cholesterol, others have very high amounts. If your cholesterol level is high, it is important to pay attention to the cholesterol content of foods that you eat. It is also important to pay attention to the fat content and the type of fats found in the food you eat since certain fats, especially saturated fats and trans-fats can be more easily converted to cholesterol by the body. Much of the cholesterol in our bodies is in fact manufactured from these fats. Cholesterol is produced through a series of chemical reactions and the rate at which these reactions occur is controlled by several "enzymes". Enzymes are proteins in our bodies which can speed up the rate at which a reaction takes place. We all inherit slightly different versions of these enzymes. The result is that some of us produce a lot of cholesterol, and others produce much less. Many of the most frequently prescribed cholesterol medications work by inhibiting one of these enzymes and slowing down the production of cholesterol by the body.
What is "Good and Bad" Cholesterol?
You may have heard the terms "Good" and "Bad" cholesterol before. Although we call them good and bad "cholesterol" the actual cholesterol molecule ( see image at top of page) in good and bad cholesterol is exactly the same. What the term good and bad really refer to are the "packages" or particles that contain the cholesterol as it is transported through our blood stream. Each particle has cholesterol in the center surrounded by a fatty membrane within which float a series of protein molecules. HDL and LDL particles each contain the same cholesterol molecules in the center but the various proteins on the surface of the package make them different and it is these proteins that determine whether the particle will increase or decrease the formation of plaques in the artery wall. Chylomicrons are particles that carry a mixture of Triglycerides and cholesterol in their center. For the sake of simplicity we simply refer to these particles as triglycerides.
Think of the Tryglycerides and LDL's as the "litter bugs". They travel through the blood stream and leave cholesterol deposits along the arteries which increase inflammation and lead to the development of plaques. Plaques can gradually clog an artery. Plaques can and often do cause heart attacks even before they are large enough to block the artery. If there is an increased level of inflammation in a plaque it can become unstable. When this happens it may rupture and trigger the formation of a clot within the blood vessel which can suddenly block blood flow through an artery and cause a heart attack or stroke. In fact most heart attacks occur as a result of plaques that are relatively small but unstable. HDL then is like the "sanitation crew". It travels through the blood stream also, but it picks up cholesterol from those deposits and reduces inflammation in plaques. Ideally you want your LDL and Triglyceride as low as possible and your HDL as high as possible.
The cholesterol number that most people are familiar with is the Total Cholesterol. The Total Cholesterol is actually the sum of all the good and bad cholesterol numbers using the following formula.
Think of the Tryglycerides and LDL's as the "litter bugs". They travel through the blood stream and leave cholesterol deposits along the arteries which increase inflammation and lead to the development of plaques. Plaques can gradually clog an artery. Plaques can and often do cause heart attacks even before they are large enough to block the artery. If there is an increased level of inflammation in a plaque it can become unstable. When this happens it may rupture and trigger the formation of a clot within the blood vessel which can suddenly block blood flow through an artery and cause a heart attack or stroke. In fact most heart attacks occur as a result of plaques that are relatively small but unstable. HDL then is like the "sanitation crew". It travels through the blood stream also, but it picks up cholesterol from those deposits and reduces inflammation in plaques. Ideally you want your LDL and Triglyceride as low as possible and your HDL as high as possible.
The cholesterol number that most people are familiar with is the Total Cholesterol. The Total Cholesterol is actually the sum of all the good and bad cholesterol numbers using the following formula.
TOTAL CHOLESTEROL = HDL + LDL + ( 0.2 x Triglycerides)
HDL - Good cholesterol
LDL - Bad Cholesterol
Triglycerides ( Found in Chylomicrons) - Also bad but doesn't affect risk as much as LDL
The total cholesterol is not as important as the individual numbers and is not used as a guide for treatment because an increase in HDL which is desirable, will make the total go up. Generally we ignore the total cholesterol and make treatment decisions based on the HDL, LDL, and Triglyceride numbers.
What should my numbers be?
HDL - Should be more than 40
Triglycerides - Should be less than 150
LDL - For levels of 190 or above the risk of cardiovascular disease is so high that treatment with statin medications is recommended. For lower levels other 10 year cardiovascular risk becomes the determining factor when making medication recommendations (See below).
Triglycerides - Should be less than 150
LDL - For levels of 190 or above the risk of cardiovascular disease is so high that treatment with statin medications is recommended. For lower levels other 10 year cardiovascular risk becomes the determining factor when making medication recommendations (See below).
What can I do to improve my cholesterol numbers
If your cholesterol numbers are outside of the desirable range there are a lot of things you can do.
- You want your good cholesterol (HDL) as high as possible and your bad cholesterol ( LDL and Triglycerides) as low as possible.
- Increase your exercise.
- Lower your intake of saturated fats and trans-fats.
- Maintain a normal weight. ( click here to check your BMI)
- Increase your intake of high fiber foods like fruits and vegetables
- Medications like statins when levels can not be controlled with lifestyle changes.
- Control your other cardiovascular risk factors like High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Obesity, Smoking
What can I do if my numbers aren't what they should be?
What you do about your numbers depends on what is wrong. Are your HDL's too low? Is your LDL level too high or is it your Triglycerides?
High LDL
- Lower your intake of saturated fats and trans-fats
- Increase your intake of high fiber foods like fruits and vegetables
- Medication - Statins like Zocor (simvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin) when levels can not be controlled with lifestyle changes.
Low HDL
- Increase exercise
- Lose weight
- Quit Smoking
- Moderate alcohol intake
- Medications - Some statins can raise HDL a little and Niacin can also raise HDL
High Triglycerides
- Lower intake of calories, especially sugars and simple starches like pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes
- reduce trans-fats and saturated fats
- Reduce alcohol intake
- Medications - Lopid (gemfibrizol), Tricor (fenofibrate)
Take home points
If your cholesterol numbers are outside of the desirable range there are a lot of things you can do.
- You want your good cholesterol (HDL) as high as possible and your bad cholesterol ( LDL and Triglycerides) as low as possible.
- Increase your exercise.
- Lower your intake of saturated fats and trans-fats.
- Maintain a normal weight. ( click here to check your BMI)
- Increase your intake of high fiber foods like fruits and vegetables
- Medications like statins when levels can not be controlled with lifestyle changes.
- Control your other cardiovascular risk factors like High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Obesity, Smoking
How do cholesterol medicines work?
The cholesterol in our body comes from two places. There is cholesterol in the foods we eat and also cholesterol that our bodies manufacture.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the available cholesterol medications and how they work
CLICK HERE to learn more about the available cholesterol medications and how they work
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Who should be treated with medications?
Medications are sometimes needed to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and vascular disease from high cholesterol. Current guidelines recommend medication for the following groups
- All diabetic patients and patient with a history of coronary artery disease regardless of cholesterol numbers
- Patients with an LDL over 190
- Patients with lower LDL levels but increased cardiovascular risk (See below)
High cholesterol can quietly damage your arteries for years before you ever feel a symptom. The good news is that lowering “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) can reduce the chance of a heart attack or stroke. New 2026 cholesterol guidance puts more emphasis on starting prevention earlier and looking at each person’s overall risk. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) provides specific recommendations for adults ages 40 and older.
ITS NOT JUST ABOUT YOUR CHOLESTEROL NUMBER
Doctors now look at several factors to estimate your chance of developing cardiovascular disease. The 2026 guidance recommends using the newer PREVENT risk calculator rather than the older risk equations for adults ages 30 to 79. Your doctor may consider your age, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking, kidney health, and other factors. Your family history and other personal factors may also change how your risk is understood.
ITS NOT JUST ABOUT YOUR CHOLESTEROL NUMBER
Doctors now look at several factors to estimate your chance of developing cardiovascular disease. The 2026 guidance recommends using the newer PREVENT risk calculator rather than the older risk equations for adults ages 30 to 79. Your doctor may consider your age, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking, kidney health, and other factors. Your family history and other personal factors may also change how your risk is understood.
For some people, additional testing may be used to refine a patients risk. This may include a Lipoprotein A blood test or coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. Both may provide additional treatment guidance but are only helpful in specific circumstances.
WHEN MIGHT MEDICATION BE RECOMMENDED ?
The 2026 guidance says cholesterol-lowering treatment should be considered when risk is 5% to less than 10% and much more strongly when risk is 10% or higher after a discussion between you and your clinician.
The USPSTF recommendations, which focus on preventing a person's first cardiovascular event, are more specific for adults ages 40 to 75. If you have one or more risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking and your estimated 10-year risk is 10% or greater, the USPSTF recommends starting a statin. If your risk is 7.5% to less than 10%, a statin may be offered based on your preferences and circumstances or after additional testing better refines overall risk. For adults 76 and older, the USPSTF says there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against starting a statin.
PREVENTION START EARLY
The newer guidance emphasizes that years of exposure to high LDL cholesterol can add up. Healthy eating, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco are important at every age. For people with very high cholesterol or a strong family history of early heart disease, medication may be appropriate at a younger age.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Ask your healthcare professional to calculate your cardiovascular risk and explain what your cholesterol numbers mean. A statin is not automatically right for everyone with high cholesterol. The decision should consider your overall risk, potential benefits and harms, other medical conditions, and your own preferences. Together, you and your clinician can choose the approach that best protects your heart over the long term.
WHEN MIGHT MEDICATION BE RECOMMENDED ?
The 2026 guidance says cholesterol-lowering treatment should be considered when risk is 5% to less than 10% and much more strongly when risk is 10% or higher after a discussion between you and your clinician.
The USPSTF recommendations, which focus on preventing a person's first cardiovascular event, are more specific for adults ages 40 to 75. If you have one or more risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking and your estimated 10-year risk is 10% or greater, the USPSTF recommends starting a statin. If your risk is 7.5% to less than 10%, a statin may be offered based on your preferences and circumstances or after additional testing better refines overall risk. For adults 76 and older, the USPSTF says there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against starting a statin.
PREVENTION START EARLY
The newer guidance emphasizes that years of exposure to high LDL cholesterol can add up. Healthy eating, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco are important at every age. For people with very high cholesterol or a strong family history of early heart disease, medication may be appropriate at a younger age.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Ask your healthcare professional to calculate your cardiovascular risk and explain what your cholesterol numbers mean. A statin is not automatically right for everyone with high cholesterol. The decision should consider your overall risk, potential benefits and harms, other medical conditions, and your own preferences. Together, you and your clinician can choose the approach that best protects your heart over the long term.