Facts

• If your total cholesterol level is higher than 200 mg/dL, you are considered to have high cholesterol. The cholesterol levels in your body are determined by a number of factors, some of which---including age, gender and family history---can't be controlled. The CDC recommends the following actions for the cholesterol factors you can control.
  
  

Diet

• Most cholesterol excess comes from diet. Since your body makes plenty of cholesterol to meet its needs, introducing a lot of extra cholesterol in your diet can raise your body's cholesterol levels too high.
  
  To lower cholesterol, reduce the number of foods in your diet that contain saturated fats, trans fats and dietary cholesterol. These foods promote cholesterol formation. Some of the worst offenders include whole-fat dairy products, baked goods, processed meats and tropical oils. At the same time, add heart-healthy foods that can help reduce cholesterol, including fatty fish, olive oil, oatmeal and nuts.
  
  

Exercise

• Because excess weight correlates to higher cholesterol levels, regular exercise plays an important role in managing cholesterol. The U.S. surgeon general recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise daily for most adults for optimum health. Good forms of exercise include walking, biking, swimming and yoga.
  
  

Other Recommendations

• The CDC also suggests that people with cholesterol concerns cut out smoking entirely because it contributes to heart attack and arterial damage risks that can be exacerbated by high cholesterol. In the same way, overindulgence in alcohol can raise blood pressure, increasing heart attack risk. Too much alcohol also can raise triglycerides, or fats in the blood. The CDC recommends avoiding smoking entirely and minimizing alcohol intake.