Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood and in your cells. Your liver makes most of the cholesterol in your
body. The rest comes from foods you eat. Cholesterol travels in your blood bundled up in packets called lipoproteins.
Cholesterol comes in two forms:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad,” unhealthy kind of cholesterol.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the “good,” healthy kind of cholesterol.
Cholesterol itself isn’t bad. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and digestive fluids.
Cholesterol also helps your organs function properly.Yet having too much LDL cholesterol can be a problem. High LDL
cholesterol over time can damage your arteries, contribute to heart disease, and increase your risk for a stroke. Getting
your cholesterol checked at regular doctor visits and lowering your heart disease risk with diet, exercise, lifestyle
changes, and medication can help decrease complications associated with heart disease and improve quality of life.
2022-09-12