lipid.siteLearn
The Collection
High cholesterol, one short exhibit at a time
Explore any exhibit, in any order. Each one opens with an animation you can play with, then gives you three takeaways, more detail if you want it, trusted sources, and what happened to real people.
New here? Take the guided tour A guide walks you through the questions most people have, in the order they come up, using your own numbers if you have them.Saved in this browser only.
Prefer to explore everything at once? Play the full interactive guide.
Explore any exhibit
- 1
What cholesterol actually is
Take an LDL particle apart and see why the number of particles matters.
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- 2
Where lipids travel in your body
Follow fat and cholesterol from your gut and liver to your muscles and arteries.
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- 3
How plaque forms
Watch LDL slip into an artery wall and build plaque, year after year.
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- 4
The liver, LDL receptors and PCSK9
How your liver clears LDL, and the protein that gets in the way.
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- 5
Your numbers: LDL, ApoB, Lp(a) and triglycerides
What each number on your lab report measures, and how goals are set.
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- 6
How each medicine works
Switch medicines on and see where each one acts and what it does to LDL.
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- 7
Food and lifestyle
Fiber, saturated fat, exercise, weight, alcohol and smoking.
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- 8
Side effects and what to do about them
Statin side effects, the nocebo effect, and options if a medicine doesn't suit you.
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- 9
Tests to ask for
Coronary calcium scans, Lp(a), and genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia.
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- 10
Paying for it
Cash prices, insurance, prior authorization and appeals.
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- 11
Talking to your doctor
Questions to ask, and a printable list that stays on your device.
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These exhibits are general education, not medical advice. They don't tell you what to take. Bring your questions to your clinician.