By Dr. Susan Park, MD
Board-Certified Family Physician, Clinical Research Contributor at Wake Research
Why Cholesterol Still Matters
With all the talk about new health trends, it’s easy to overlook the basics. But cholesterol? It’s still one of the most important numbers when it comes to your heart health.
As a family physician for over 25 years, I’ve seen how small changes in awareness and lifestyle can make a big difference, especially when it comes to managing cholesterol early and effectively. Understanding your cholesterol is a key factor in cardiovascular health and is measured to assess your risk.
High blood cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your blood vessels causing health issues, including:
- Coronary artery disease – angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Cerebrovascular disease – strokes
Let’s walk through what your cholesterol numbers mean, when to get tested, and how research is continuing to improve how we manage heart health.
Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers: LDL, HDL & Triglycerides Explained
Many people are familiar with the term “cholesterol,” but may not know what this actually is or how it affects your body. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential for various bodily functions, including hormone production and digestion. High cholesterol is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and increases the risk of heart disease.
There are four key numbers to know:
- Total Cholesterol – This is your overall number. It includes good and bad cholesterol.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – Often called “bad” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque formation in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – The “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps clear excess cholesterol from your body by transporting it to the liver for elimination.
- Triglycerides – A type of fat in your blood. High triglyceride levels can raise cardiovascular risk, especially when combined with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol.
Lipoprotein carries cholesterol and triglycerides through the bloodstream. Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) plays a major role in transporting triglycerides and is associated with conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Cholesterol levels are measured with a blood test called a lipid profile, which provides important information about your cardiovascular health. A lipid profile measures blood cholesterol levels, including HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, to assess cardiovascular risk. Normal levels for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides are important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Maintaining these values within recommended ranges is key for heart health.
General Cholesterol Target Levels
| Type | Goal (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | Less than 200 |
| LDL (“Bad”) | Less than 100 for those at risk of heart disease. Acceptable level depends on risk factors. |
| HDL (“Good”) | 50 or higher for women, 40 or higher for men |
| Triglycerides | Less than 150 |
Note: These numbers may vary based on your age, health history, and risk factors. Your doctor will help interpret them.
Factors Affecting Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol levels don’t just happen by chance: they’re shaped by a mix of genetics, lifestyle choices, and what you eat every day.
- For many people, a family history of high cholesterol or certain inherited conditions (like familial hypercholesterolemia) can mean a higher baseline risk, even if you’re otherwise healthy. This genetic influence is why some people struggle with high cholesterol despite a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Lifestyle factors also play a big role. Lack of physical activity, smoking, and chronic stress can all contribute to higher cholesterol levels and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Even if you’re not seeing symptoms, these habits can quietly raise your risk for heart disease over time.
- Diet is another major player. Eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats — often found in processed foods, full fat dairy products, and certain meats — can lead to too much cholesterol in your bloodstream. While dietary cholesterol from foods like eggs has less impact for most people, the overall pattern of your eating habits matters most. Making heart healthy choices can help keep your cholesterol in check and lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Remember, high cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but understanding what affects your cholesterol levels puts you in the driver’s seat. By knowing your personal risk factors and making informed lifestyle changes, you can take meaningful steps to protect your heart and overall health.
When Should You Get Your Cholesterol Checked?
I recommend cholesterol screening for:
- Adults age 20 or older every 4–6 years (more often if at risk)
- Anyone with a family history of heart disease
- People with diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure
- Smokers and those with sedentary lifestyles
Many heart problems don’t have early symptoms, which is why knowing your numbers early can be life-saving. It’s important to consult health professionals and work with your healthcare team to interpret your results and manage high cholesterol effectively.
What You Can Do Today
If your cholesterol is high, the good news is that small lifestyle changes often make a big impact. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Here are some simple steps I share with my patients:
- Eat heart-healthy foods: More vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Less saturated fat, trans fat, and added sugar.
- Move more: Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days.
- Quit smoking: It lowers your HDL and damages blood vessels.
- Limit alcohol: In excess, it can raise your triglycerides.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect your numbers, too.
Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t enough, and that’s okay. Medications like statins can help lower cholesterol when used appropriately. The key is working with your provider to find what’s right for you.
How Clinical Research Is Changing Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes
At M3 Wake Research, we’re actively involved in clinical trials that explore new treatments and therapies for cholesterol management and heart disease prevention. Our research is guided by authoritative guidelines and recommendations from organizations such as the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, which set the standard for cholesterol management and cardiovascular health.
As someone now working in clinical research, I’m excited by the options on the horizon.
These studies help us:
- Find better medications with fewer side effects
- Discover new ways to lower cholesterol naturally
- Understand how treatments work across different populations, including ongoing research into cholesterol management in specific groups such as pre menopausal women, who may have different risk factors due to hormonal differences
You may even be eligible to participate in a study, especially if you have high cholesterol or other heart-related risk factors. It’s a powerful way to take charge of your health and help advance medicine for others, too.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Park
Cholesterol isn’t something to fear: it’s something to understand. Knowing your numbers, making informed choices, and staying open to new options (including clinical research) can keep your heart strong for years to come.
If you haven’t had your cholesterol checked lately, talk to your doctor or contact our team at M3 Wake Research to learn more about how you can take the next step in protecting your heart.
About Dr. Park
Dr. Susan Park, MD, is a board-certified family physician. Dr. Park has over 25 years of experience in family medicine and has been involved in clinical research since 2021.
