High Cholesterol in Teens: Care Instructions

Overview

Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) in your blood. It is needed for many body functions. Cholesterol is made by your body. It also comes from food you eat. It is found in foods that are made from animal products (meat and dairy products).

High cholesterol means you have too much of the fat in your blood. If you have high cholesterol, it can cause the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque (say "plak") in artery walls. Over time, this raises your risk of having coronary artery disease (CAD), a heart attack, or a stroke.

You can lower your cholesterol levels and your risk of coronary artery disease with healthy habits. But for some people, cholesterol problems run in the family. If changes in diet and exercise don't lower your cholesterol levels, you and your doctor can decide if medicine is right for you.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself?

• Eat heart-healthy foods every day. Good choices include fruits, vegetables, whole grains (like oatmeal), nuts, and seeds. Other good choices are fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
• Eat heart-healthy fats, such as canola and olive oil.
• Eat lean proteins, such as seafood, lean meats, beans, and soy products (like tofu).
• Limit processed and packaged foods like chips, crackers, and cookies.
• Limit foods and drinks with added sugar.
• Be active every day. Go for a walk or jog, ride your bike, or play sports with friends.
• Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Talk to your doctor if you need help losing weight.
• Try to get enough sleep.
• Do not smoke or vape. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• If you take medicine for high cholesterol, take it exactly as your doctor told you to.Call your doctor if you are having a problem with your medicine.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You want help in making diet and exercise changes.
• You are worried about your cholesterol level.
• You have family members with very high cholesterol levels.