Are people overreacting to high cholesterol? Or is it just a number that you shouldn’t stress about? If you’ve seen conflicting advice online, you’re not alone. Cholesterol is a hot topic that just won’t go away—and for good reason! If you think all you need is a diet overhaul, or that it no longer matters, you might want to stick around, because you could be missing key insights about your health. (Based on the insights of Dr. Paul Zalzal and Dr. Brad Weening)
Key Takeaways
- High cholesterol is still a real health problem, not just a number.
- Most cholesterol is made by your own body, not just from what you eat.
- The type of cholesterol—and how much of it gets into your arteries—matters most.
- For some people, lifestyle changes aren’t enough: medication has a major role.
- New cholesterol tests and drugs are changing the game.
- Making informed decisions with your doctor is essential.
Let’s break it down into easily digestible points!
1. Cholesterol Is Essential—But Too Much Can Hurt You
Cholesterol isn’t the villain you’ve been led to believe. Your body needs it. It helps build the membranes around your cells, makes hormones (like estrogen and testosterone), and even helps you digest food. Without enough cholesterol, your body literally can’t function.
But—here’s the catch—too much of the wrong kind can build up in your blood vessels, blocking them and leading to heart attacks, strokes, and poor circulation (think: leg pain or even trouble walking). So, cholesterol isn’t evil, but it can get you in trouble if it goes unchecked.
2. Most Cholesterol Is Manufactured By Your Body
Did you know about 85% of your cholesterol is made by your liver, thanks to your genetics? Only about 15% comes straight from your diet. That means some of us are just programmed to make more cholesterol tha