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Half of American adults have unhealthy cholesterol levels

	People at the greatest risk of heart disease benefit the most by reducing their cholesterol levels, but everyone should pay attention to high cholesterol. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments for high cholesterol that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out if medication or changes in diet rate best for treating your high cholesterol.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you’re not alone. Consumer Reports Health is here to help with the best research about high cholesterol, and expert evidence and advice about how to treat it.

Key points for people with high cholesterol

• There are two kinds of cholesterol: HDL ("good") cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
• Eating saturated fats and trans fats can increase the amount of bad cholesterol in your blood. Saturated fats are found in foods such as meat, butter, and cream. Trans fats are found in cookies, cakes, pastries, and fast food.
• Too much bad cholesterol won't cause any symptoms, but it can increase your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.
• You can lower your bad cholesterol by changing what you eat, taking medicines, or both. This will lower your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.
• If you smoke, stopping smoking can increase the amount of good cholesterol in your blood, which can lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

High cholesterol is very common. One in every 2 American adults has a cholesterol level that is higher than what is considered healthy. Some people are more likely to get high cholesterol than others due to risk factors that range from your family history to your diet.

The aim of treating high cholesterol is to lower the amount of bad (LDL) cholesterol in your blood and raise the amount of good (HDL) cholesterol. We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about high cholesterol. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.