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5 ways to control cholesterol

High cholesterol levels can narrow and block your arteries. Here are five ways to help keep high cholesterol in check.

CONTROL YOUR CHOLESTEROL

If you smoke, be a quitter. Smoking can have unhealthy effects on your cholesterol levels.
Eat heart-healthy foods. Start by limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats.
Keep moving. Walk. Swim. Cycle. Enjoy!
Manage your weight. If you're overweight, losing just 5% of your current weight may help.
Listen to your doctor. Take cholesterol-lowering medications, if prescribed.

Reviewed 7/17/2025

Sources

American Heart Association. "Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Preventing High Cholesterol." https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/prevention/index.html.