Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells in the body. It is essential for building cell membranes, making hormones, and producing vitamin D. Cholesterol is produced by the liver, and the remainder comes from foods from animals, such as meat, poultry, and dairy products. However, too much cholesterol can be harmful and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the body: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up in the walls of blood vessels, forming plaque, which can restrict and eventually block blood flow to and from the heart and other organs. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, carries cholesterol back to the liver, which then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

It is important to have a full lipid profile to show the actual levels of each type of fat in the blood: LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and others. A cholesterol screening can help identify the risk for heart disease. Some risk factors that can be changed include lack of exercise and poor eating habits. Cholesterol-lowering medicines, such as statins, are used to lower fats in the blood, particularly LDL cholesterol.

In summary, cholesterol is a vital substance that performs many essential jobs in the body, but too much cholesterol can be harmful. LDL cholesterol can build up in the walls of blood vessels, forming plaque, which can restrict and eventually block blood flow to and from the heart and other organs. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, carries cholesterol back to the liver, which then flushes it from the body. It is important to have a full lipid profile to show the actual levels of each type of fat in the blood and to address risk factors that can be changed, such as lack of exercise and poor eating habits. Cholesterol-lowering medicines, such as statins, are used to lower fats in the blood, particularly LDL cholesterol.