High Cholesterol
Definition: Percent told by a doctor or health care professional that they have high blood cholesterol.
Importance
High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Studies show that the higher your blood cholesterol level, the greater your risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States.
Where We Are
In 2013, 33% of adults in Douglas County reported having high blood cholesterol. The percent in Douglas County was lower than the State of Kansas and the U.S. in 2013.
Health Disparities
Among adults in Douglas County in 2013: High cholesterol in adults increases with age.
Healthy People 2020 Goal
Reduce the proportion of adults aged 20 years and older with high total blood cholesterol levels to 13.5%.
Additional Information
A variety of things can affect cholesterol levels. These are things you can do something about:
Importance
High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Studies show that the higher your blood cholesterol level, the greater your risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States.
Where We Are
In 2013, 33% of adults in Douglas County reported having high blood cholesterol. The percent in Douglas County was lower than the State of Kansas and the U.S. in 2013.
Health Disparities
Among adults in Douglas County in 2013: High cholesterol in adults increases with age.
Healthy People 2020 Goal
Reduce the proportion of adults aged 20 years and older with high total blood cholesterol levels to 13.5%.
Additional Information
A variety of things can affect cholesterol levels. These are things you can do something about:
- Diet - Reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet helps lower your blood cholesterol level.
- Weight - Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. Losing weight can help lower your LDL (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol levels, as well as raise your HDL (good cholesterol) and lower your triglyceride levels.
- Physical activity - Not being physically active is a risk factor for heart disease. Regular physical activity can help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels.