In-Depth
High cholesterol
Definition
- Triglycerides: Why do they matter? Triglycerides are an important measure of heart health. Here's how to lower your triglycerides.
- Cholesterol levels: What numbers should you aim for? Got the results from your cholesterol test? Here's what your cholesterol levels mean.
Risk factors
- LDL cholesterol calculator Use this target LDL cholesterol calculator to determine a healthy LDL cholesterol level.
- Birth control pill FAQ: Benefits, risks and choices Birth control pill — Get answers to frequently asked questions about taking the pill.
Tests and diagnosis
- Cholesterol levels: What numbers should you aim for? Got the results from your cholesterol test? Here's what your cholesterol levels mean.
- Cholesterol test Cholesterol test — Overview covers how to interpret the results of this common blood test.
Causes
- Membranous nephropathy Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment and causes of membranous nephropathy.
Treatments and drugs
- Statins: Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs right for you? Statins can lower cholesterol. Weigh the risks and benefits before you make a decision.
- Niacin to boost your HDL, 'good,' cholesterol Niacin, a B vitamin, can boost your HDL, 'good,' cholesterol. Find out more.
- Lowering cholesterol: Discover your options Discover your options for lowering cholesterol.
- Cholesterol medications: Consider the options Cholesterol medications may help lower your cholesterol. Here are some cholesterol medication options.
- Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks Statin side effects can be uncomfortable, but are rarely dangerous.
Lifestyle and home remedies
- HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol A high HDL cholesterol level helps fight heart disease. Here's how to raise your HDL.
- Top 5 lifestyle changes to reduce cholesterol Reduce cholesterol with these five lifestyle choices.
- Cholesterol: Top 5 foods to lower your numbers The foods you eat can help lower your cholesterol. Here are five top choices.
- Mediterranean diet recipes These healthy and appealing recipes will get you hooked on the Mediterranean diet.
- Healthy chicken recipes When you think of chicken, you probably think of fried chicken, but there are plenty of healthy chicken recipes to enjoy.
- Menus for heart-healthy eating: Cut the fat and salt Use these menus to jump-start your heart-healthy diet.
- Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health Discover how walnuts, almonds and other nuts help lower cholesterol and im-prove heart health.
- Trans fat is double trouble for your heart health Trans fat raises "bad" (LDL) cholesterol and lowers "good" (HDL) cholesterol.
Alternative medicine
- Cholesterol-lowering supplements: Lower your numbers without prescription medication Diet and exercise are proven ways to reduce cholesterol. Cholesterol-lowering supplements may help, too.
- Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus)
- Herbal supplements may not mix with heart medicines Some herbal supplements can have dangerous interactions with heart medications.
Prevention
- Tool: Target heart rate calculator Target heart rate calculator — Calculate your target heart rate zone to exercise safely.


Find Mayo Clinic on