Understanding and Managing High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)

Cholesterol is a type of fat in your blood. Most people don’t feel anything when their cholesterol is high, and only a blood test can show it. Learning about it helps you take care of your heart and stay healthy in the long term.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat‑like substance that travels through the blood. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, but cholesterol is also found in certain foods like egg yolks, red meat, butter, cheese, and other full‑fat dairy products.

There are two types of cholesterol:

• LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol): Too much of it can stick inside your blood vessels and block the flow of blood.
• HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol): Helps remove extra cholesterol from your blood so that your body can get rid of it.

Why high cholesterol is hard to notice

High cholesterol doesn’t usually make people feel anything. They may feel perfectly well even as cholesterol levels slowly increase. That’s why regular check-ups and blood tests are important, especially for adults with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, or tobacco use. Finding out early gives you more options and more time to act.

Cholesterol and heart health: what’s the connection?

When LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can block the blood flow to the heart and brain. Over time, this increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Taking care of cholesterol is a good way to keep your heart healthy, even if you don’t feel sick. Small healthy habits every day can make a big difference.

How cholesterol is managed

For many people, managing cholesterol involves a combination of everyday habits and, when needed, medication:

• Heart‑healthy diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins, and try to limit oily or fatty food.
• Regular physical activity: Exercise supports healthier cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
• Medicine when needed: If healthy eating and exercise are not enough, a doctor may recommend medicine to lower cholesterol.

The best plan is different for each person. It depends on their health, their habits, and what their blood test shows.

When to talk with a healthcare provider

Since high cholesterol doesn’t come with warning signs, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider often. They can help explain your cholesterol levels, check your heart health, and help you decide what to do now and in the future. Ongoing help, including support from your pharmacy, can make it easier to take care of your cholesterol over time.

How CarelonRx supports cholesterol care

For people taking cholesterol-lowering medications, having the right support is essential. Through CarelonRx services, members can get help to understand their medicines, manage side effects, and stay on track with treatment.

For questions about a home-delivery prescription from CarelonRx Pharmacy, please contact CarelonRx Pharmacy at 833-396-0309.

For pharmacy benefit-related questions, please refer to the contact details listed on the back of your CarelonRx member ID card.