Final answer:
Elevated blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Making lifestyle choices like not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, taking medications as needed, and getting regular exercise can help prevent or mitigate the risk of CVD.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, elevated blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). High levels of "bad cholesterol" increase the risk of CVD, along with other risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure. Research has shown that high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and a high LDL:HDL ratio in the blood contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. Making lifestyle choices like not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, taking medications as needed, and getting regular exercise can help prevent or mitigate the risk of CVD.