American Heart Association Emphasizes Cholesterol Management for Lifelong Heart Health

The American Heart Association emphasizes that understanding cholesterol and managing it early through healthy habits, regular screening, and informed care is crucial for maintaining heart and brain health. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that the body needs for important functions like building cells and producing hormones, but having too much "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, while sufficient "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) helps reduce that risk.

Dr. Roger S. Blumenthal, chair of the 2026 Dyslipidemia Guideline writing group and an American Heart Association national volunteer expert and cardiologist, stated that cholesterol itself is not the enemy, as the body requires moderate levels to function, with the goal being balance. Healthy lifestyle habits are a powerful step in keeping LDL cholesterol in a healthy range and protecting heart and brain health over the long term. Blood cholesterol levels, which are measured on a cholesterol test, can lead to plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis) if too high, increasing risks for heart disease and stroke, and these levels are influenced by overall eating patterns, lifestyle habits, genetics, and other health factors, not just dietary cholesterol.

Adults ages 19 and older should have their cholesterol checked at least every five years, as recommended by the American Heart Association. A lipid profile, or cholesterol test, provides results for HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total blood cholesterol, and other risk factors like age, family history, and smoking status should also be considered to determine heart disease or stroke risk. For many people, healthy lifestyle habits form the foundation of cholesterol management, including eating a nutritious diet, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, avoiding tobacco products, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar.

In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, some individuals may require cholesterol-lowering medication based on their overall risk of developing heart disease or stroke, and if side effects occur, consulting a health care professional is advised to find a better fit. High cholesterol does not only affect adults; it can begin in childhood, particularly for children with inherited conditions or other risk factors, making early screening important. Cholesterol screening is recommended for children not previously screened between the ages of 9-11 to assess risk and guide care, along with promoting wellness habits like prioritizing healthy foods, daily exercise, and adequate sleep to reduce heart disease and stroke risks through adulthood. For more information and heart health resources, visit Heart.org/KnowYourCholesterol.