Former Yankees Pitcher Urges Cholesterol Checks

CC Sabathia’s 2018 heart episode has put a spotlight on high cholesterol, a condition many athletes assume they can avoid.

At age 38, the former Yankees pitcher felt chest pain and nausea for weeks before doctors found a blocked artery that required a stent.

Following the procedure, Sabathia said: “Check your cholesterol, check the LDL and … consult with your physician.”

He now urges fans and fellow players to monitor cholesterol levels, noting that high cholesterol often has no warning signs.

Cholesterol is a waxy-like material the body uses as a building block for cells and hormones. It’s carried in the bloodstream.

When blood levels stay raised, cholesterol may join with other substances to form a thick, hard deposit on the inside of the arteries called plaque. Over time, buildup of these deposits may narrow arteries throughout the body, making them less flexible and decreasing the amount of oxygen-rich blood going to the heart, brain and legs. The result: An increased risk for heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial disease.

The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend regular cholesterol assessment as part of a broader strategy to prevent heart attack and stroke.

Two main sources supply cholesterol: the liver, which produces the amount needed for normal functioning, and the diet, especially animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, cheese and butter.

While Sabathia’s experience is personal, it illustrates a wider public-health issue: many adults remain unaware of their numbers until a serious event forces a check.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is labeled the “bad” cholesterol because high levels promote plaque buildup, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is considered “good” cholesterol; higher concentrations are linked to lower cardiovascular risk.

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Triglycerides, another blood fat, can also contribute to cholesterol accumulation, especially when diets are rich in saturated fats and added sugars.

2026 guidelines set personalized LDL-C goals: below 100 mg/dL for low-risk individuals, under 70 mg/dL for those with mild plaque or diabetes, and less than 55 mg/dL for people with severe plaque or prior cardiovascular events.

A lipid panel blood test measures total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, non-HDL-C and triglycerides, and clinicians interpret results alongside blood pressure, weight, diabetes status and smoking history.

Because high cholesterol rarely produces symptoms, annual testing can catch dangerous levels before they cause a blockage or stroke.

Nutrition and lifestyle measures

Nutrition experts recommend choosing fish and other lean animal proteins while limiting red meat and processed seafood.

Physical activity that raises heart rate several times per week contributes to favorable lipid profiles and improves overall cardiovascular risk.

Adequate sleep and avoidance of tobacco use further enhance cholesterol management and protect arterial function.

Family history and inherited conditions, including high LDL cholesterol, may influence cholesterol levels.

Medical options and risk evaluation

When lifestyle changes are insufficient, clinicians may prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs that have been shown to be safe alongside diet modifications.

Patients are encouraged to discuss medication options, potential side effects and the balance between drug therapy and lifestyle habits with their doctors.