Upping the Ante to Lower Cholesterol

FRIDAY, Sept. 10 (HealthDayNews) -- Uh-oh, your lab results are back and your cholesterol's in the danger zone. Your doctor has given you an ultimatum: Start exercising and watch your diet or you'll have to start taking a cholesterol-busting statin drug.

Millions of American adults are being handed the same marching orders -- whip those cholesterol numbers into shape or go on a prescription medication.

Others, like former President Bill Clinton, must endure more radical treatments. In Clinton's case, the solution was quadruple heart bypass surgery this week because cholesterol had left his arteries clogged with plaque.

Whether you're a lifelong couch potato or simply confused about how to take control of your blood cholesterol, take note: September is National Cholesterol Education month, a time to learn about what your numbers mean and what you can do to improve them.

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