Americans Having Fewer Problems with Cholesterol

A significant number of Americans may be improving their future prospects for good health and low insurance rates in the coming years, judging from a new study on cholesterol levels.

The study, which appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that the prevalence of patients over age 20 with high cholesterol fell from 31.5 percent of the population in 1999 and 2000 to 21.2 percent in 2005 and 2006.

Researchers also found that despite the increased use of lipid-lowering medications, many adults remain untreated or undertreated for their cholesterol problems. Controlling one's weight, getting regular exercise and following a proper diet are also ways to ensure better heart health.

Another factor that undermines heart health as much as cholesterol is stress, which can produce dangerously high blood pressure levels while undermining one's overall quality of life. With this in mind, relaxation techniques are often a good complement to exercise and diet efforts.

By taking steps to maintain low cholesterol, people are lowering their risk for heart disease, which can dramatically shorten one's life expectancy while also contributing significantly to higher health insurance costs.