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| Pop quiz: What has no symptoms, raises your risk of heart disease and stroke, and can be detected with a simple blood test? Yes, high cholesterol is right! Specifically, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), aka “bad” cholesterol. |
| You’re probably used to hearing about the risks of high cholesterol. But do you know your own levels? Today, registered dietitian Mohini Bhakta joins us to explain why it’s so important to stay on top of cholesterol checks. |
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Testing time!
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Ginger Wojcik
October 17, 2026 • 3 min read |
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| Q: |
How do I know if I need to lower my cholesterol? |
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| A: |
I definitely recommend getting your cholesterol tested regularly! You may get tested during your annual physician visit (which may appear as a “lipid panel blood test”). This is one important reason to stay up to date on your preventive appointments! Checking in and doing labs regularly can help us detect potential health risks early — especially things like high cholesterol, which, for many of us, is preventable.
If you have an elevated risk of high cholesterol, your doctor may suggest getting it checked more often than annually. The American Heart Association recommends that “all adults age 20 or older should have their cholesterol and other traditional risk factors checked every four to six years as long as their risk remains low.” After age 40, your healthcare professional will also want to use an equation to calculate your 10-year risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Your physician can help you identify if you need to lower your cholesterol. Lifestyle changes — including exercising, adding more fiber-filled foods, and focusing on healthy fats — can help keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range. In addition to lifestyle changes, medications may be recommended (depending on your levels).
Check out this general summary on cholesterol and the levels we are typically looking for. But keep in mind that health history and current conditions may affect your personal target ranges!
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| Mohini Bhakta, Registered Dietitian
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| Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.)
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| Crushing it |
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| ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set |
| A mortar and pestle is a must-have kitchen tool if you’re looking to level up your cooking skills. Muddling mint, crushing aromatics, and mashing avocado for guacamole are just a few of the tasks you can do with this classic low-tech tool. And it’s made from unpolished granite, meaning it’s stain-proof and easy to clean. |
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| Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. |
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| What we’re digesting |
| 🥱 Long COVID may be caused by low levels of an important nutrient. A new study shines light on this mysterious illness. |
| ✅ Adding this nutrient to your diet may help with weight loss. The results aren’t conclusive, but they are promising! |
| 🥬 9 reasons to eat more cabbage. This is your reminder to stop sleeping on cabbage. |
| 🏜️ Can dehydration cause dry eyes? Plus, how to tell whether your eyes need some extra care. |
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| Thanks for reading, friends. We’ll be back on Sunday with another recipe we’re loving. See you then!
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| Until next time, |
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Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon! |
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| This edition was powered by |
| Valentina. |
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