But did you know some experts claim the data actually indicates cholesterol may not be such an important factor in the development of heart problems after all?

The experts can’t seem to agree on whether or not high cholesterol levels are truly related to the various heart diseases.

Whichever of these opposing views you seem to agree with, researches have found certain traits which are higher in those who have heart disease and they are:

•    High total cholesterol levels
•    Low HDL (good) cholesterol and high LDL (bad) cholesterol levels
•    Smoking
•    High blood pressure
•    Diabetes
•    Physical inactivity
•    Obesity or excess body fat

If conditions such as hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol and smoking are in fact present in many of the people who develop heart disease, it might be wise to remove as many of these suspicious factors as possible.

Take steps to lower your blood pressure, lose weight, reduce stress and quit smoking, and you’re likely to experience a better life whether high cholesterol has anything to do with it or not.

It could even be argued that exercise, proper diet, and healthy lifestyle habits all carry their own rewards.