High cholesterol usually doesn’t hurt. That’s part of what makes it so easy to overlook. You can feel perfectly healthy while unhealthy cholesterol levels contribute over time to plaque building up inside your arteries.

For some people, the problem isn’t discovered until a routine blood test reveals it—or until cardiovascular disease has already developed. High LDL cholesterol is an important risk factor for heart disease and stroke, but it’s only one piece of the picture. Blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, age, genetics, physical activity, and other factors also influence your overall risk.

Fortunately, everyday habits can make a meaningful difference. Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and other fiber-rich foods can support healthier cholesterol levels. Replacing some saturated fats with unsaturated fats, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress can also support cardiovascular health.

But there’s one habit you shouldn’t overlook: getting your cholesterol checked.

You cannot reliably tell whether your cholesterol is high by how you feel. A simple blood test can measure LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, giving you and your healthcare professional a clearer picture.

Lifestyle changes are sometimes enough, while other people need medication based on their cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk.

The most important step isn’t fearing cholesterol—it’s knowing your numbers and taking action before a silent risk becomes a serious problem.