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How Cholesterol Factors Into Heart Risk

Managing cholesterol is an important part of staying heart healthy. When it comes to understanding the new cholesterol guidelines, experts say there are a few things to keep in mind:


Be sure to talk with your clinician about other health issues that worry you. 

What You Can Do

  • Ask about your 10-year risk score if you don’t already have heart disease
  • Talk about other factors that might increase your risk (called “risk enhancers”)
  • If there’s any doubt, ask if CAC scoring could help 
  • Have ongoing discussions about your risk for heart disease, heart attack or stroke keeping in mind risk and available therapies change over time
  • If you are prescribed medication(s), take it as directed, and share any concerns before stopping.
  • Stick to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Enlist your family and others to help support you.
  • Last Edited 11/30/2018