LDL cholesterol can gradually build up inside artery walls and form plaque. Over time, this can narrow and stiffen the arteries, reducing blood flow to important organs such as the heart and brain.
Managing cholesterol usually involves eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and fiber while reducing highly processed foods, trans fats, and excessive red meat. Regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management can also support heart health.
Regular cholesterol tests can show whether these changes are working. When lifestyle changes are not enough, medication may be recommended, making high cholesterol a condition that can often be effectively monitored and managed.
