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The first step should be a change in your diet and exercise plan. I learn that a healthy diet and regular exercise are good for your health.However, for 2 out of 3 adults with high cholesterol, diet and exercise may not be enough.1 Why? Because your body makes about 80% of the cholesterol in your system and the other 20% comes from the food you eat. So for many people, diet and exercise changes alone are not enough.Eating healthier isn't as hard as people think. It's just a matter of making more conscious choices. If you add a few more fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins into your diet every day, you'll still every once in a while be able to eat some of the foods you love. Some people think of exercise as a chore, but you can fit exercise into your life without going out of your way. Even 30 minutes of activity most days of the week can get you results.Instead of taking the elevator or escalator, take the stairs. Don't park your car so close to the front door of the mall. Parking farther away and walking can also add exercise to your day.If you are obese or overweight, you're not alone. Nearly two thirds of all American adults are obese or overweight. But being obese or overweight increases your risk of heart disease. It puts a great deal of pressure on your heart. It can damage your arteries. Changing your diet is one way of managing your weight. Begin with small changes that will give you some "quick wins." Here are some simple things you can start doing today:Read food labels to help you make good choices:Drink no more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day:Limit your food portions. One "serving" may be less than you think:Choose nonfat or low-fat dairy products:Reduce your use of salt and avoid salty foods. Too much sodium can increase your blood pressure. Change Your Diet by Keeping it Simple.High cholesterol is one of the risk factors for heart disease. Managing high cholesterol is essential to heart health. High cholesterol occurs when you have too much LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol). When you have high cholesterol, it can build up along the walls of your arteries. This buildup is called plaque. When too much plaque builds up, it can block the flow of blood. If an artery that supplies blood to your heart or to your brain is completely blocked, the result can be a stroke or a heart attack.

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