September was National Cholesterol Education Month, which made it the perfect time for UHC Cardiac Rehab to go on the road to the Bridgeport Farmers Market and encourage visitors to the market to know their cholesterol levels – and take steps to prevent or reduce high cholesterol. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. People with high cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease than people with lower cholesterol levels.

Nearly one-third of American adults have high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. Fewer than 1 out of every 3 adults with high LDL cholesterol has the condition under control. Everyone can benefit from knowing their cholesterol numbers and doing what they can to prevent or reduce high cholesterol levels.

“Uncontrolled cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke,” said Angelina Davis, EP, MS, manager of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab at UHC. “High cholesterol has no symptoms, so patients might not know that their cholesterol is too high – unless it’s measured by a doctor with a blood test.”

While some risk factors – such as family history – may be out of our control, there are other ways to reduce or prevent high cholesterol, such as exercising, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and taking medication as prescribed. Adults age 20 and older should have their cholesterol levels checked every four to six years.

Editor's Note: Pictured, from left, are Cardiac Rehab team members: Kayla Milliman, Exercise Physiologist; Cheryl Farley, RN II; and Martha Gustafson, RN.