93 million U.S. adults age 20 or older have total cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg/dL. High cholesterol has no symptoms, so many people do not know that their cholesterol is too high. A simple blood test can check cholesterol levels.

Having high blood cholesterol raises the risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death, and for stroke, the fifth leading cause of death

Eating saturated fat, found in animal products, and trans fats, found in some commercially baked cookies and crackers and microwave popcorn, can raise your cholesterol level. Foods that are high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, will also increase your cholesterol. Obesity.