September is National Cholesterol Education Month—as good a time as ever to learn more about cholesterol’s role in heart health and how you can take steps to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and our cholesterol levels greatly influence our overall health and ability to mitigate chronic disease risk.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood that our bodies need to build healthy cells. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), often called “good” cholesterol, helps to flush excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it to the liver for removal from the body. This type of cholesterol can actually reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. On the other hand, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as “bad” cholesterol, can build up plaque in our arteries and lead to cardiovascular or coronary artery disease.

Having too much LDL cholesterol or too little HDL cholesterol can be problematic for our health, and our habits and lifestyle choices affect this delicate balance. Consuming alcohol and foods high in saturated and trans fats, smoking, and being overweight can all raise LDL cholesterol or lower HDL cholesterol levels. Age, genetics, and medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can also increase risk. At the same time, we recognize that cardiovascular health is impacted not only by personal choices, but by the environments in which we live and the systems that shape our access to care. Social determinants of health, including access to affordable, nutritious food, opportunities for physical activity, quality healthcare, stable housing, and supportive community networks, play a significant role in cholesterol management. Communities that are facing economic hardship and disenfranchisement often have higher rates of heart disease due to limited access to these vital resources. One study of over 3,600 U.S adults from JAMA Cardiology found that individuals experiencing food insecurity had a 41% higher risk of developing heart disease in middle age.

These data show that healthy cholesterol isn’t just about healthy habits, but also about ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to protect their heart health. In honor of National Cholesterol Education Month, we invite you to take advantage of our personalized nutrition services, fitness programs, and preventive care through our Prescription for Health program and Wellness Institute, so that every member of our community can take steps toward a healthier future.