About Cholesterol
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Cholesterol is a white, waxy, fat like substance found in the blood and other tissues of the body. Cholesterol is essential for life. It is used in the outer layer of cells, act as insulation around nerves, and building blocks for certain hormones. The body makes cholesterol from the food you eat and produces about 1,000 milligrams a day. You can also consume cholesterol from animal products such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Plaque can build up on the inside of your arteries if you eat too much cholesterol or if your body produces too much.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL is considered to be the "good" cholesterol. It picks up cholesterol and carries it to the liver where it is eliminated from the body. A high level of HDL is considered to be beneficial. It is important to know how much HDL you have compared to the total cholesterol number when you have a blood test. HDL is only produced in the body. You cannot eat "good" cholesterol.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

LDL is considered to be the "bad" cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol through the blood stream and drops it off where it can be used. Cholesterol that is not used or excreted keeps circulating through the blood and accumulates on artery walls. This build up is called atheroslcerosis. Atherosclerosis decreases the flow of blood and can promote the formation of blood clots. Eventually atherosclerosis can cause heart attacks and strokes.

For more information about cholesterol, go to prevention organizations.

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