About 63% of U.S. women are concerned about high cholesterol, but only 32% know their cholesterol number, according to a nationwide survey released Tuesday by the Society for Women's Health Research, United Press International reports (United Press International, 8/21).

According to a SWHR release, the firm GfK Custom Research North America conducted the telephone survey of 524 women from June 29 to July 1. The survey found that nearly 88% of the women know that high cholesterol is linked to hardening of the arteries and heart disease, and almost 85% know high cholesterol can lead to stroke. However, only 50% of the women reported receiving a cholesterol test in the past year (SWHR release, 8/21). About 60% of women surveyed said they actively were trying to manage their cholesterol (Soltis, New York Post, 8/22).

According to the survey, only 35% of the women knew any of the four numbers for monitoring cholesterol: total cholesterol level, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and triglyceride level. Nearly all women know that exercise can help fight high cholesterol, and about 95% know that eating more fruits and vegetables and less high-fat foods can help heart health, the survey found (United Press International, 8/21).

"Clearly, strides have been made in educating women on the risks of high cholesterol, but the disconnect between awareness and action needs to be addressed," Phyllis Greenberger, president and CEO of SWHR, said, adding, "Knowing your cholesterol number is the first step in controlling cholesterol" (SWHR release, 8/21).