Skip to Content
  1. icon-arrow-left
    Conditions

High cholesterol

High cholesterol is a common condition that can increase your risk for heart problems and stroke. Find out how it's tested, treated and managed.

Find a Primary Care Doctor

What you need to know

High cholesterol means you have too much cholesterol—a waxy-like substance—in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to help build cells and make hormones, but having too much can be harmful.  High cholesterol can lead to plaque, a sticky buildup inside your blood vessels that, over time, can narrow or block arteries. This makes is harder for blood to move around your body and increases you chances of having heart disease, a heart attack or a stroke.

Heart care starts here

Already diagnosed with high cholesterol? A cardiologist can help you lower your risk and protect your heart with personalized care, advanced testing and the latest treatment options tailored to you.

Find a Cardiologist
Blood pressure meter and toy heart on light blue background

Have a question?

Have a question about managing this condition? Get personalized health guidance, 24/7.

Ask PatientGPT

Care that fits your life

Need a new primary care doctor or care today? Atlantic Health Virtual Primary Care is available days, nights and weekends.

Schedule a Virtual Visit
Illustration of a patient having a virtual care visit with a physician.

Related heart care articles

Heart Health5 questions to ask your doctor after an AFib diagnosisNewly diagnosed with AFib? An Atlantic Health expert says knowing what to ask your cardiologist can help you better understand and manage your heart condition.
PregnancyHigh blood pressure during pregnancy: what you need to knowPregnancy stresses a woman’s heart. In its most severe form, it is called preeclampsia, which is potentially life-threatening and can have lifelong cardiac implications for mother and baby.
Heart HealthImproved heart failure management with CardioMEMSLearn about CardioMEMS, a remote monitoring device that alerts doctors of worsening heart failure before a patient has symptoms and requires emergency care.
Heart HealthThe menopause-heart health connectionMenopause can raise heart disease risk. An Atlantic Health cardiologist explains the connection and shares how women can protect their heart health.
News & InnovationCoroFlow: a precise test for unexplained chest painChest pain without an artery blockage is difficult to diagnose so Atlantic Health offers CoroFlow, a detailed test to identify the problem.
Healthy LivingThe hidden health link between your gut and your heartHeart health starts in an unexpected place—your gut. An Atlantic Health expert explains how the foods you eat help lower inflammation throughout your body—and that protects your heart.
Patient StoriesA police officer’s complex heart surgery gives new lifeWhen a police officer from Lake Hopatcong started experiencing extreme chest pressure, doctors found a rare, life-threatening heart condition. With the help of Atlantic Health, he has a second chance at life.
News & InnovationLearn how vascular surgery saves and changes livesVascular surgeons manage many conditions, including PAD, blood clots and aneurysms, combining proven treatments with new developments.