63% of U.S. women worried about high cholesterol

According to a recent nationwide survey, 63 percent of females in America are concerned about having a high cholesterol level (the "bad" kind of cholesterol). Oddly though, only 32 percent of those who are concerned actually know what their cholesterol level is. I wonder why that is? If you're worried, find out if you should be worried -- alas, you may be worried over nothing.

In the same surveyed group, 88 percent responded that they know high cholesterol levels are connected with hardening of the arteries, and 85 percent know that a stroke can result from high cholesterol levels.

What should you do? Have the four components of cholesterol checked by your doctor: total cholesterol level, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride level. Then, make a plan to improve if any of those are outside established healthy ranges.