September is National Cholesterol Awareness Month, and Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services wants to remind you that it is a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if is high. It is also a good time to learn about lipid profiles and foods and lifestyle choices that can help you reach your personal cholesterol goals.
More than 74 million American adults have high cholesterol, but only 1/3 of them have the condition under control. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, the first and fifth leading causes of death in the United States.
Everyone can benefit from knowing their cholesterol numbers and doing what they can to prevent or reduce high cholesterol levels. (Uncontrolled cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke). High cholesterol has no symptoms, so patients may not know their cholesterol is too high – unless it’s measured by a medical provider with a blood test.
While some risk factors – such as family history – may be out of our control, there are other ways to reduce or prevent high cholesterol, such as exercising, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and taking medication as prescribed.
Adults aged 20 and older should have their cholesterol levels checked every 5 years. Your medical provider will determine if you are at risk for heart disease and any necessary treatment. Take time this month to schedule an appointment with one of our providers to get your cholesterol checked and to discuss your risks by calling (605) 326-5201.