Anyone wondering about their cholesterol benefits from a simple check, since high cholesterol usually has no symptoms and testing is the only way to know where you stand. It's especially worth it if you have a family history, diabetes, high blood pressure, are over 40, smoke, or live a sedentary lifestyle.

There are two main types plus a third number to watch. LDL is the "bad" cholesterol that can clog your arteries with plaque, and HDL is the "good" kind that helps clear it out, so higher HDL is linked to lower heart risk. Triglycerides are a blood fat that adds to your risk when elevated.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in your blood that your body needs to build cells, make hormones, and aid digestion. Your liver makes all you need, but you also get it from foods like meat, dairy, and fried foods. Too much can build up in your arteries and raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.

AllCare Georgia offers a wide range of services to help patients manage their high cholesterol, from initial diagnosis and testing to lifestyle recommendations and ongoing support. In addition, our all-in-one model of care makes it easy for you to see urgent care and primary care physicians as well as specialists in one convenient location.

While levels vary with age and lifestyle factors, for most adults, healthy cholesterol levels are: Total blood cholesterol : Less than 200 mg/dL LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL HDL cholesterol: Greater than 40 mg/dL for men, 50 mg/dL for women

Raising HDL, often called the “good” cholesterol, is crucial because it helps clear out LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, from your bloodstream. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple ways to boost your HDL levels and improve your heart health. Regular exercise, like walking, cycling, or swimming for about 30 minutes most days, can make a big difference. Eating healthy fats—think avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil—also plays a key role. By incorporating small healthy habits you can support healthy cholesterol levels and take care of your heart.

Some foods naturally contain high levels of cholesterol, while others contribute to high cholesterol by being high in saturated or trans fats. These include: Animal-based foods : Egg yolks, organ meats (liver, kidney), shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster), full-fat dairy like cheese, butter and cream. Processed and fried foods : Fast food, fried items like chicken and fries. Baked goods made with hydrogenated oils like pastries or cookies. Red and processed meats : Sausages, bacon, and fatty cuts of beef or pork To maintain healthy cholesterol levels, focus on foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, and plant sterols, which help lower LDL cholesterol.

High cholesterol can have many causes, and it often comes down to a combination of diet, lifestyle, and genetics. Eating too much saturated fat, trans fat, or cholesterol-rich foods like fried meals, red meat, and full-fat dairy can raise your levels. A lack of exercise doesn’t help either, as staying inactive can lower your good cholesterol (HDL) and increase the bad kind (LDL). Smoking adds to the problem by damaging blood vessels and further reducing HDL. For some, genetics play a big role—conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia can lead to dangerously high cholesterol levels. Health issues like obesity, diabetes, or hypothyroidism can also make things worse. And as we get older, cholesterol tends to creep up naturally, especially for women after menopause, when hormonal changes can push LDL levels even higher.