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High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Almost 105 million American adults have total blood cholesterol levels of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and higher, which is above desirable levels. Of these, an estimated 42 million persons have levels of 240 mg/dL or above, which is considered high risk1. Lowering cholesterol levels reduces the risk of heart disease death among persons either with or without coronary heart disease. To increase awareness of the importance of knowing your cholesterol levels and taking steps to achieve or maintain healthy levels, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) sponsors National Cholesterol Education Month every September. The NCEP recommends that adults aged 20 years or older have their cholesterol checked once every 5 years. Cholesterol levels can be lowered through lifestyle changes such as dietary improvement, increased physical activity, weight control, and by medications.2 The NCEP recently published updated recommendations about cholesterol treatment particularly for people at increased risk.3 During September, CDC-funded state heart disease and stroke prevention programs and their collaborators will conduct programs aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of high blood cholesterol and its impact on heart disease. For example, the Florida Department of Health provides press releases in early September and encourages local promotions, and have set up a Web site of information to help in local promotions. The North Carolina Department of Health has a social marketing campaign called "Start With Your Heart," which will focus on "knowing your cholesterol numbers" in September with new radio spots, brochure, and a new consumer Web page. Ohio has developed and implemented a statewide media campaign called Know your Numbers to promote the importance of knowing the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, high blood glucose (sugar), and overweight/obesity. Campaign data are being used to reduce the proportion of adults with high total blood cholesterol levels from 32% in 2000 to 29% in 2007, and to increase by 10% the number of adults who know their blood cholesterol level. Also on This Web Site
For More InformationFor additional information about cholesterol, please see the Web sites of the following CDC partners:
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Policy | Accessibility This page last reviewed September 15, 2004 Department of Health Human Services |
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