Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in every cell of our body. It is important for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and the digestion of food.

No, not all cholesterol is bad. There are two types of cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein). HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol because it helps to remove LDL from the bloodstream. LDL, on the other hand, is known as the “bad” cholesterol because high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Not necessarily. While dietary cholesterol can raise LDL cholesterol levels in some people, it’s more important to focus on limiting saturated and trans fats in the diet. These types of fats can increase LDL cholesterol levels more than dietary cholesterol.

There are several ways to lower LDL cholesterol levels, including: eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats, increasing fiber intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and taking medication if prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Yes, high cholesterol can be genetic. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes high levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, even with a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about getting your cholesterol levels checked.

It’s recommended that everyone over the age of 20 gets their cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years. However, if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, or if you have other risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent testing.