Private MD News

Health advocates urge cholesterol testing during National Education Month

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Groups are currently urging individuals to seek cholesterol testing, as September marks National Cholesterol Education Month. Aside from setting out to educate the public about this important cardiovascular hazard, health agencies are trying to spread the word about the importance of screening.

Despite the fact that more than 65 million people have unhealthy levels of cholesterol, relatively few understand the threat this can pose to their health, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the agency sponsoring the awareness month. Part of the reason for this is that high cholesterol has no symptoms and few people do anything about it until it is too late.

Those with high cholesterol are at a much higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and is caused primarily by high cholesterol. Despite the serious impact high cholesterol has on health, its consequences are largely avoidable.

The institute says that cholesterol testing can help individuals learn if they have unhealthy blood fats. If they do, they can then make lifestyle changes to bring their levels back in line. This may prevent many deaths related to cardiovascular problems.