Significance

• An unhealthy cholesterol level, which occurs when cholesterol, fats, cell-waste products and calcium build up on artery walls and block blood flow, can go undetected for years. If left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to heart disease, a heart attack or stroke.
  
  

Diet

• Changing dietary habits can keep cholesterol low and your heart healthy. Foods such as oatmeal contain soluble fiber, which reduces the "bad" form of cholesterol known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Eat more foods high in soluble fiber like beans or fruits, including pears, prunes and apples.
  
  

Exercise

• Daily exercise can help lower cholesterol. A moderate cardiovascular workout for 30 to 60 minutes can help raise the body's level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is known as "good" cholesterol.
  
  

Lose Weight

• Excess weight can contribute to high cholesterol. Shedding extra pounds, in some cases as little as 10 to 15 pounds, can result in a healthier cholesterol level.
  
  

Prescription Medicine

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs are available with a doctor's prescription. Some are brand-name drugs, while others are available as generics, a cheaper alternative.