For a long time, not much was known about cholesterol and the effects on diet, heart disease, and stroke. Much more is known now about high cholesterol and what you can do to prevent issues. Dr. Mirza Ali Khan, a Family Physician with OSF Healthcare says that cholesterol has many different types of uses.

Cholesterol in your blood comes from two sources: the food you eat and the liver. There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol and the bad cholesterol is made up of what are called low-density lipoproteins. Khan says that bad cholesterol can lead to heart attacks.

Among the risk factors that can lead to high cholesterol is obesity, poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, diabetes, and age. The best way to treat high cholesterol is by changing risk factors and incorporating more exercise. Dr. Khan says to eat more fruits and vegetables and less red meat and processed foods.

High cholesterol has no symptoms. The best way to determine if you are suffering or at risk is to consult your doctor. They will be able to tell you the best way to address the problem if there is an issue.

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