September Is Your Month to Learn About Cholesterol

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Every September, health organizations recognize National Cholesterol Education Month — a reminder that knowing your cholesterol numbers and taking action can protect your heart. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance your body needs to build cells and produce hormones, but too much in the bloodstream can lead to artery damage and raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Why Cholesterol Matters

High cholesterol is often silent: Most people have no symptoms until cardiovascular disease develops. In the U.S., around 10% of adults aged 20 or older have total cholesterol of 240 milligrams per deciliter or higher, and about 86 million adults have total cholesterol above 200 milligrams per deciliter. Meanwhile, nearly half of the adults who could benefit from cholesterol-lowering medicines are not taking them.

Because so many people are unaware they have elevated cholesterol, the theme of Cholesterol Education Month is clear: “Know your numbers, understand your risk and act early.”

Cholesterol Types: Good Versus Bad

When doctors test cholesterol, they often report LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and HDL (“good”) cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol into your arteries; when too much builds up, it forms plaque and narrows blood vessels. HDL helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream and return it to the liver for disposal — higher HDL is better.

It’s important to remember: Not all cholesterol is bad. Your body already makes what it needs. Excess comes from diet, genetics and lifestyle factors.

Who Is at Risk?

Even though cholesterol tends to rise with age, there are many modifiable risk factors. These include the following:

• Diets high in saturated fats and trans fats
• Sedentary lifestyle or low physical activity
• Smoking
• Overweight or obesity
• Family history or genetics, including rare genetic conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia (FH)
• Chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid disorders

Some of these risk factors you can’t control (age, genetics), but many are in your hands.

How Often Should You Test?

Most healthy adults should have a cholesterol (lipid) panel every four to six years. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or a family history of high cholesterol, more frequent testing may be recommended.

For children, guidelines often recommend screening once between ages 9 to 11 and again in late adolescence — more often if risk factors are present.

What You Can Do: Lifestyle First

Cholesterol management often starts with lifestyle changes — no medication needed in many cases. Key strategies include the following:

• Healthy diet: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, nuts and healthy fats. Reduce saturated fat, trans fat and processed foods.
• Regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, or as your provider recommends.
• Quit smoking: Smoking lowers HDL and damages blood vessels.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Even modest weight loss can help improve cholesterol levels.
• Limit alcohol: If you drink, do so in moderation.
• Manage other risk conditions: Keep diabetes, blood pressure and thyroid disease under control.

When Medication May Be Needed

If lifestyle steps aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications (like statins, PCSK9 inhibitors or newer agents). These work by lowering LDL cholesterol, slowing plaque buildup and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

If your doctor prescribes medications, it’s crucial to take them consistently and not stop abruptly. Always talk with your health care team before making any changes.

Using This September Wisely

Use Cholesterol Education Month as a launch pad: Schedule your screening, review past results, talk with your provider about your cholesterol goal, and consider where you might improve your diet or habits. Charity and health organizations also often host free screening events, webinars or educational campaigns during September.