Hello. Welcome to the forum and thank you for your question. We're sorry that you have this concern regarding your cholesterol. So, your total cholesterol number is 252 now rising from 220 last year? Here is an article on how to interpret a lipid or cholesterol panel. https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/understanding-your-cholesterol-report#1. Total cholesterol is an estimate of all the cholesterol levels. So, if you have a high total cholesterol, it helps to know your LDL (which is likely high if you have a high total number) and know your HDL which is likely low (as again, this would contribute to a higher total cholesterol number). LDL is the bad cholesterol that is artery clogging, HDL is the good cholesterol that is helpful to us. Exercise raises HDL, even just a simple walk every day for a straight period of time will help. And a low cholesterol diet will help lower LDL. Balancing those two pieces of your lipid profile will bring down your total cholesterol number. However, please know that some people can not do this strictly through lifestyle things like diet and exercise. This is where cholesterol lowering medication becomes necessary. Has your doctor mentioned this to you?