National Cholesterol Education Month: Take Charge of Your Heart Health
Every September, health organizations across the United States recognize National Cholesterol Education Month. The purpose of this national observance is simple but powerful: to remind people about the importance of understanding cholesterol, getting screened, and taking action to reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Cholesterol is something many people hear about, but not everyone understands. It is often called “the silent risk factor” because you can have high cholesterol and never feel any different — until serious health problems appear. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 94 million U.S. adults have high cholesterol levels, yet many are undiagnosed or untreated.
This month is the perfect time to learn more about cholesterol, understand your personal risk, and take steps toward protecting your heart health. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: what cholesterol is, why it matters, how it affects your body, who should be tested, and most importantly, what you can do to manage it.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in every cell of your body. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, make certain hormones, and produce vitamin D. However, while cholesterol is essential for life, too much of the wrong type can be dangerous.
There are different types of cholesterol and fats in the bloodstream:
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LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol
Often called “bad cholesterol,” LDL carries cholesterol to your arteries. If too much LDL is present, it can build up in the artery walls, forming plaque. Over time, this narrows the arteries and makes them less flexible — a condition known as atherosclerosis. A blood clot can then form, leading to a heart attack or stroke. -
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol
Known as “good cholesterol,” HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it back to the liver, where it can be broken down and eliminated. Higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease. -
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. High triglyceride levels combined with low HDL or high LDL can raise the risk of heart disease even more. Triglycerides tend to rise when people eat more calories than they burn, especially from sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol.
Understanding the balance between these fats is critical. Ideally, you want low LDL, higher HDL, and normal triglycerides.
Why Cholesterol Matters
The most serious risk of having high cholesterol is cardiovascular disease. When cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it restricts blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. This can lead to:
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Heart disease – The leading cause of death in the United States.
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Stroke – Caused by reduced or blocked blood flow to the brain.
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Peripheral artery disease (PAD) – Narrowing of arteries in the legs, which can cause pain and mobility issues.
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Chronic kidney disease – Since the kidneys filter blood, blocked or narrowed arteries can also impair their function.
High cholesterol doesn’t cause pain, fever, or any obvious symptoms. That’s why it’s often called a “silent killer” — you may not know you have it until a major event like a heart attack occurs.
Risk Factors for High Cholesterol
Several factors can increase your risk of developing high cholesterol, including:
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Diet – Eating foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.
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Lack of Exercise – A sedentary lifestyle lowers HDL and raises LDL.
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Weight – Being overweight or obese can increase cholesterol levels.
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Smoking – Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol and damages artery walls.
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Age and Sex – Risk increases with age. Men over 45 and women over 55 are more likely to develop high cholesterol.
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Family History – Genetics play a role; some people inherit a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia.
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Medical Conditions – Diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and liver disease can contribute to high cholesterol.
Who Should Get Their Cholesterol Checked?
The American Heart Association (AHA) and CDC recommend:
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Adults age 20 and older should have their cholesterol checked at least once every 4–6 years.
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Adults with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or smoking should be screened more often.
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Men age 45 and older and women age 55 and older are considered higher risk and may need more frequent screenings.
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Children and teens with family histories of high cholesterol or early heart disease may also benefit from testing.
A simple blood test called a lipid panel measures your cholesterol and triglycerides. It usually requires fasting for 9–12 hours beforehand.
Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers
When you get your cholesterol checked, your doctor will look at several key numbers:
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Total Cholesterol – Should be less than 200 mg/dL.
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LDL Cholesterol – Optimal is less than 100 mg/dL.
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HDL Cholesterol – Higher is better. For men, aim for at least 40 mg/dL; for women, at least 50 mg/dL.
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Triglycerides – Normal is less than 150 mg/dL.
Your provider will interpret these numbers in the context of your overall health and risk factors.
How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally
The good news is that cholesterol can often be controlled with lifestyle changes. Here are the most effective ways to lower cholesterol naturally:
1. Improve Your Diet
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Eat more fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
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Choose lean proteins like fish, poultry, and legumes instead of red meat.
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Limit processed foods, fried foods, and packaged snacks.
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Use healthy oils like olive oil instead of butter or margarine.
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Increase soluble fiber (found in oats, apples, beans) to help reduce LDL.
2. Get Regular Exercise
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Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
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Exercise raises HDL and helps manage weight, both of which improve cholesterol.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
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Even losing 5–10% of body weight can significantly reduce LDL and triglycerides.
4. Quit Smoking
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Within weeks of quitting, HDL cholesterol begins to improve.
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Your risk of heart disease decreases almost immediately.
5. Limit Alcohol
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Too much alcohol raises triglycerides.
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If you drink, do so in moderation (1 drink per day for women, 2 for men).
When Lifestyle Changes Aren’t Enough
Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t enough to bring cholesterol to a safe level. In these cases, medications may be necessary. Common options include:
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Statins – The most widely used cholesterol-lowering drugs.
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Bile acid sequestrants – Help the body eliminate cholesterol.
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PCSK9 inhibitors – Injectable medications for patients at high risk.
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Fibrates and niacin – Help lower triglycerides and raise HDL.
Your healthcare provider will determine the best treatment plan based on your risks and overall health.
Why September Is the Perfect Month for a Cholesterol Check
September is not only National Cholesterol Education Month, but also a time when people are adjusting from summer routines and getting back into healthier schedules. Schools are back in session, vacations are winding down, and many people are more focused on preventive health.
By making a cholesterol screening part of your fall routine, you can identify risks early, make changes, and prevent more serious problems later.
How Our Clinics Can Help
At Professional Health Care of Pinellas, Community Care Diagnostic Clinic, Vein Institute of Pinellas, and PHC Health & Wellness, we provide:
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Cholesterol screenings with fast results.
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Personalized treatment plans including diet, exercise, and medication management.
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Preventive care and counseling to help patients reduce risk factors.
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Ongoing support to ensure heart health is monitored and protected.
Take Action This September
Cholesterol may be silent, but the consequences are loud and life-changing. The best way to protect yourself is to know your numbers, take preventive steps, and work with your healthcare provider.
📞 Call us today to schedule your cholesterol screening: (727) 544-9829
🌐 Visit us online: www.phcpinellas.com
Final Thoughts
National Cholesterol Education Month is more than just a reminder — it’s a call to action. Whether you are 20 or 70, now is the right time to understand your cholesterol, take steps to lower it, and protect your heart for the future. Small changes, from improving your diet to adding more daily activity, can make a big difference in your long-term health.
By working with our dedicated team of providers at PHC of Pinellas and our partner clinics, you can feel confident that you are taking the right steps toward a stronger heart, better health, and a longer life.
About the Author: PHC Team
