- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- Awareness
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September
- Holiday emoji:
- ❤️
National Cholesterol Education Month dedicates September to informing the public about the risks of high cholesterol and its strong connection to heart disease. This vital observance highlights prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management strategies. Take action this month by getting screened, adopting heart-healthy habits, and sharing crucial information with loved ones.
Want to sponsor National Cholesterol Education Month? Learn how
Expected National Cholesterol Education Month Deals
Throughout National Cholesterol Education Month, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial awareness and fundraising efforts. Organizations like the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) partner with health systems and corporations to promote screenings and educational resources. Look for local health fairs offering free or low-cost cholesterol checks, often sponsored by community hospitals or pharmacies like CVS Health and Walgreens. Many grocery stores, such as Whole Foods Market and Kroger, feature heart-healthy food promotions and educational materials. Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer or Amgen may support patient education initiatives. We encourage everyone to visit the official websites of leading health organizations for verified information and ways to contribute to research and advocacy.
Platform Guide for National Cholesterol Education Month
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CholesterolEducationMonth. Share infographics and personal stories about heart health awareness.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #CholesterolEducationMonth. Post quick facts, prevention tips, and links to reliable health resources.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #CholesterolEducationMonth. Share insights on workplace wellness programs and corporate health initiatives.
National Cholesterol Education Month Hero
Dr. Daniel Steinberg
National Cholesterol Education Month timeline
Known as a statin, Mevacor, by U.S. drug company Merck, was the first in what would be a very crowded field of cholesterol medications.
Konrad Bloch and Feodor Lynen were the first to discover a key part of cholesterol synthesis and won the Nobel Prize for it.
Scientist John Gorman first found the link between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and heart disease.
German chemist, Adolf Windaus first showed that cholesterol was present in arterial plaque.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Cholesterol Education Month
Local businesses can play a crucial role in National Cholesterol Education Month by promoting awareness and healthy living. Gyms can offer discounted heart-healthy fitness classes, while restaurants can feature special low-cholesterol menu items and highlight their nutritional benefits. Pharmacies and health clinics can host free or affordable cholesterol screenings and distribute educational brochures. Even corporate offices can organize wellness challenges and invite health speakers to educate employees on preventive measures and lifestyle changes.
National Cholesterol Education Month FAQs
When is National Cholesterol Education Month?
National Cholesterol Education Month runs throughout September 2026, dedicating the entire month to raising awareness about the importance of managing cholesterol for heart health.
How many Americans are affected by high cholesterol?
According to the CDC, nearly 102 million Americans over the age of 20 have total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL, with a significant portion having high LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol. This highlights the widespread impact of the condition.
What is the economic impact of high cholesterol?
The economic burden of high cholesterol and related cardiovascular diseases is substantial, costing the U.S. healthcare system hundreds of billions of dollars annually in direct medical costs and lost productivity. Effective management can significantly reduce these costs.
What is the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol?
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called ‘bad’ cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing heart disease risk. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is considered ‘good’ because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries, transporting it back to the liver.
Five Facts About Cholesterol
High cholesterol has no symptoms making it difficult to diagnose.
More than 35 million Americans have cholesterol high enough to put them at risk for heart disease
The National Cholesterol Education Program suggests people over 20 years old get their cholesterol checked every five years.
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a diet low in fat and high in fiber, and not smoking can help lower cholesterol.
Most people don't need added cholesterol from their diet, their bodies make enough on their own.
Why National Cholesterol Education Month is Important
It shines a light on a silent condition
High cholesterol has no symptoms itself, but it can lead to blockages of the arteries resulting in heart disease. National Cholesterol Education Month raises awareness about this potentially dangerous condition.
It urges people to get checked
A simple blood test can tell you if your cholesterol is high and if you're in danger of heart disease. Since there are no symptoms for high cholesterol, adults over the age of 20 are encouraged to get this test once every five years.
It galvanizes people to make healthier choices
High cholesterol can often be caused by one's lifestyle habits. Poor diet, a lack of exercise, and other factors like smoking can cause or exacerbate the condition. Luckily, improving one's lifestyle choices can also help lower cholesterol and National Cholesterol Education Month teaches people just how to do that.
National Cholesterol Education Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 1 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 1 | Sunday |
Social Media Tips for National Cholesterol Education Month
Individuals
Creators
Brands