Cholesterol Archive

Metabolic syndrome is defined as having at least three of the following: abdominal obesity, high blood triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and low HDL cholesterol levels. The condition significantly increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea. While each factor is problematic, the main driver is abdominal obesity, from visceral fat surrounding internal organs. The best way to reduce visceral fat is aerobic exercise, strength training, and a plant-based diet.

Older adults are especially vulnerable to heat-related ailments like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The primary reason is biological, as aging bodies can't maintain a steady internal body temperature when external conditions change. Heart conditions and heart medications can add to the problem. Older adults can protect themselves from heat ailments by taking standard precautions during hot weather and recognizing the early symptoms of ailments so they can seek immediate treatment.

People with a family history of heart disease and high LDL cholesterol should consult their doctor about lowering their LDL levels to less than 70 milligrams per deciliter, which often means taking a statin, eating a healthier diet and exercising regularly.

A 2025 study found that in people who are overweight or obese, substituting standing and light walking in place of sitting may help improve blood levels of certain types of fats, including triglycerides and small, dense LDL cholesterol particles.

Statins are among the most-prescribed drugs in the United States, but some people are concerned about side effects. Lifestyle changes involving diet and exercise can help lower cholesterol enough to take a statin break

Most people don't need to fast before a lipid test because the difference between LDL cholesterol values when fasting or not fasting is very small. But people who have had high triglyceride levels should fast prior to the test.

Having an extremely low LDL level from aggressive cholesterol-lowering therapy was not associated with cognitive impairment, according to a 2024 study.

High levels of Lp(a)—a fatty particle similar to LDL cholesterol—may double or triple a person's risk of a heart attack. About one in five adults may have elevated levels, which also raises the risk of stroke and aortic stenosis. Unlike LDL, which rises with age and is influenced by diet and exercise, Lp(a) remains largely constant over a person's lifetime, so a one-time test suffices for screening. Lp(a) testing is becoming more common now that five promising new Lp(a) therapies are in development.

The two main side effects caused by statins are muscle aches (which disappear once the drug is stopped) and a higher risk of diabetes (which is most common in people with obesity and prediabetes).

About 5% of Americans have low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values of 190 mg/dL or higher. Their risk of heart disease is five times higher than people with near-optimal values (less than 130 mg/dL). Some have familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that can lead to LDL values up to 350 mg/dL (or even higher in some cases). Known as FH, it's a common cause of early heart attacks.