Patient Voices: Managing High Cholesterol

Lower your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, to protect your heart.

If you have high LDL cholesterol, you may feel fine. But over time, high levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood can build up and narrow or block blood vessels and arteries, which can trigger a heart attack or stroke. So taking steps to lower your LDL cholesterol is not simply about the number. It’s about lowering the chance of a first or future heart attack or stroke.

Still, it’s not always easy to know where to start. Hear from other people living with high LDL cholesterol who offer helpful tips, including the importance of:

• Talking openly with your care team about your LDL cholesterol and what your number means for your heart health now and in the future
• Making heart-healthy choices, including finding ways to manage stress and support your mental well-being
• Finding the right statin and/or combination of medications and dose (amount) that works for you, and knowing it can take time
• Knowing your family history of heart disease
• Asking the right questions, sharing your goals and learning to advocate for yourself