Know Your Cholesterol Numbers
September is Cholesterol Awareness Month, a time to understand the prevalence, burden and treatment options for high cholesterol. Join the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health online to empower patients to learn about their cholesterol numbers—especially their LDL-C and Lp(a)–to better manage their cardiovascular condition.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to build cells, produce hormones, and aid digestion. While your body naturally makes all the cholesterol it needs, cholesterol also comes from certain foods. Too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, can build up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Additionally, lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a specific type of genetic, cholesterol-carrying blood particle that can also increase risk of heart attack and stroke. Knowing your cholesterol numbers and working with your health care provider to manage them is an important step toward protecting your heart health.
Measure What Matters: New Cholesterol Guidelines for Patients & Clinicians
On March 13, 2026, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released updated guidelines to both manage and prevent cardiovascular disease. These updates are the first in thirteen years, providing much-needed clarity for providers and patients alike. The new recommendations give patients targeted cholesterol numbers, allowing them to treat toward a goal. Tell CMS: It’s Time to Measure What Matters.
Measure What Matters: LDL Cholesterol
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