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

Knowing your personal risk and managing cholesterol early through healthy habits is key for heart and brain health.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:10pm

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This article from the American Heart Association provides guidance on understanding cholesterol, why it's important, and how to manage it through lifestyle habits and regular screening. It covers the difference between blood cholesterol and dietary cholesterol, the importance of knowing your numbers, and the role of cholesterol-lowering medications. The article also highlights the need for early cholesterol screening in children to reduce long-term heart disease risk.

Why it matters

Cholesterol is an essential substance in the body, but too much 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes and early screening is crucial for long-term heart and brain health.

The details

The article explains that cholesterol is a waxy substance found throughout the body that helps with important functions like building cells and making hormones. However, having too much 'bad' LDL cholesterol in the blood can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Healthy lifestyle habits like a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco can help manage cholesterol levels. Some people may also require cholesterol-lowering medications based on their overall heart disease risk.

  • 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 (American Heart Association)

The takeaway

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels through regular screening, lifestyle changes, and potentially medication is crucial for long-term heart and brain health. Early intervention, especially in children, can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke later in life.