Cholesterol

High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, the number-one killer in Missouri.  Lowering your cholesterol levels can decrease your risk of having a heart attack or dying from heart disease, even if you already have heart disease.

Click on the image to the right to listen to the cholesterol public service announcement.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body. Your body needs cholesterol to function normally, but when there is too much cholesterol in your body, it is deposited in your arteries, including those in the heart. This can lead to narrowing of the arteries and to heart disease. (http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/)

High blood cholesterol has no symptoms.  A simple blood test called a “lipoprotein profile” will indicate if your cholesterol is high.

Adults over the age of 20 should have a blood test at least every five years to monitor their cholesterol levels.  You can reduce the cholesterol in your blood and prevent complications by:

• Knowing your cholesterol numbers
• Taking your medicine regularly
• Getting regular physical exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Cholesterol Fact Sheet

The Burden of Heart Disease and Stroke in Missouri, 2008
This report examines the burden of heart disease and stroke in Missouri. The burden of heart disease and stroke is disproportionately heavy in Missouri, where for both conditions and all modifiable risk factors, Missouri’s rates were consistently higher than U.S. rates.

The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program is funded by a federal grant from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   Visit the DHSS Stroke webpage at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Stroke/ and the Heart Disease webpage at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/HeartDisease/.