High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Making some lifestyle changes can help lower cholesterol levels quickly. Here are some ways to lower cholesterol fast:

1. Eat heart-healthy foods: Reduce saturated fats, found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy products, and increase foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream, and it is found in such foods as oatmeal, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples, and pears.

2. Avoid trans fats: Trans fats raise LDL, lower HDL, and increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. They are found in fried foods, baked goods, and processed snack foods.

3. Lose weight: Carrying even a few extra pounds contributes to high cholesterol. Losing weight can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.

4. Exercise: Moderate physical activity can help raise HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol. With your doctors approval, work up to at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week or vigorous aerobic activity for 20 minutes three times a week. Adding physical activity, even in short intervals several times a day, can help you begin to lose weight.

5. Spice it up: Spices like garlic, curcumin, ginger, black pepper, coriander, and cinnamon can improve cholesterol. Research shows that eating a half to one clove of garlic can help lower cholesterol levels.

6. Eat more fiber: Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that contain fiber can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels.

In summary, making some lifestyle changes such as eating heart-healthy foods, avoiding trans fats, losing weight, exercising, spicing up your food, and eating more fiber can help lower cholesterol levels quickly.