Cholesterol and Women
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found throughout your body. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs for important jobs, such as helping to build cells and make certain hormones. When cholesterol is too high, it can put you at a higher risk of heart disease or stroke.
Having healthy cholesterol is an important way to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. It’s never too soon to learn about your cholesterol. In fact, high cholesterol can begin to impact your heart disease risk even in childhood and adolescence and can change throughout your life.
What Women Need to Know About Cholesterol
Almost 40% of women in the U.S. have high cholesterol. Regular cholesterol testing helps assess and manage your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Healthy Cholesterol at Every Age
Healthy Cholesterol
Healthy habits can help you manage your cholesterol.
Pregnancy and Cholesterol
A healthy pregnancy is best for both mom and baby.
Menopause and Cholesterol
Hormone changes during menopause can impact your health – and heart.
Managing Cholesterol
Screenings
Your health care team should recommend screenings, including a cholesterol panel at least every five years and lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a) test at least once in a lifetime. They may also consider an ApoB test or Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan.
Lifestyle Changes
Take action early in life because high cholesterol can begin to impact your heart disease risk even in childhood and adolescence.
Medications and Pregnancy
Certain cholesterol medications aren’t safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding/lactating. Planning ahead with your care team helps protect both your heart health and your baby.
Know Your Numbers
Knowing your risk starts with knowing four important health numbers — total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index. Having these numbers in check and at healthy levels can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.
