Navigating Cholesterol: What You Need to Know for a Healthy Heart

Experts share advice on understanding cholesterol, managing risk, and developing healthy habits for long-term heart health.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:51pm

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With so much information available, it can be difficult to understand what cholesterol is and why it's important. Knowing your personal risk of developing heart disease and managing your cholesterol early through healthy habits, regular screening, and informed care is key for heart and brain health. This advice from the American Heart Association can help you understand why cholesterol matters, how to manage it, and how lifestyle habits may affect your long-term heart health.

Why it matters

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found throughout the body that is essential for certain bodily functions. However, having too much 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Maintaining a balance of 'good' (HDL) and 'bad' cholesterol through healthy lifestyle habits is crucial for protecting long-term heart and brain health.

The details

Cholesterol levels in the blood are influenced by overall eating patterns, lifestyle habits, genetics, and other health factors, not just the cholesterol found in foods. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, avoiding tobacco, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar can all help support heart health. Some people may also require cholesterol-lowering medication based on their overall risk of developing heart disease or stroke.

  • Adults ages 19 and older should have their cholesterol checked at least every five years, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
  • Cholesterol screening is recommended for children not previously screened between the ages of 9-11 to help assess risk and guide care.

The players

Roger S. Blumenthal, MD, FAHA

Chair of the 2026 Dyslipidemia Guideline writing group and an American Heart Association national volunteer expert and cardiologist.

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What they’re saying

“Cholesterol itself isn't the enemy – our bodies need moderate levels to function. The goal is balance. Healthy lifestyle habits are a powerful step in keeping LDL cholesterol in a healthy range and protecting your heart and brain over the long term.”

— Roger S. Blumenthal, MD, FAHA, Chair of the 2026 Dyslipidemia Guideline writing group and an American Heart Association national volunteer expert and cardiologist

The takeaway

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels through regular screening, informed care, and adopting lifestyle habits like a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke over the long term.