What is Cholesterol?



When you hear people talk about heart health, they often talk about cholesterol. Although cholesterol often gets described as a bad thing that you need to worry about, the truth is a little more complex than that.



Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body needs to function. Learn more about how much cholesterol is ideal and how it can affect your heart and overall health.



Where Does Cholesterol Come From?



There are two sources of cholesterol. The first is your liver. The human body produces cholesterol and typically produces all of the cholesterol it needs for proper functioning.



The other source of cholesterol is food. Animal-based foods, such as meat, cheese, and eggs contain cholesterol. You won't find cholesterol in vegetables, grains, or other plant-based foods.



HDL vs. LDL Cholesterol



Cholesterol travels through your bloodstream on lipoproteins, substances made of fat and proteins. Your body has a few different types of lipoprotein:



● High-density lipoprotein (HDL): HDL is sometimes called "good" cholesterol because it absorbs cholesterol in the blood and sends it back to the liver, where it's processed as waste and flushed out of the body¹. Generally speaking, the higher your HDL levels, the better.

● Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol. You might be at an increased risk of heart attack or stroke if your LDL levels are high. LDL can cause cholesterol to build up in your arteries and veins².

● Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL): VLDL is another example of "bad" cholesterol. VLDL carries triglycerides, which is the predominant type of fat in the body. High levels of triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke³.

What Causes High Cholesterol Levels?



Multiple factors can lead to high cholesterols levels, notably high levels of LDL and VLDL. One of the risk factors for high cholesterol levels is diet. Eating a diet that's high in saturated or trans fat can increase your cholesterol levels. Eating foods that contain cholesterol can also increase your LDL.



If bloodwork reveals that your LDL levels are above the recommended amount (100 mg/dL), one of the first changes your family physician might make is to change your diet, notably by eating less fat.



Your physical activity levels also affect your cholesterol levels. Being sedentary can lower your HDL levels below the target amount (60 mg/dL). Starting to exercise or increase physical activity can help bring your cholesterol levels down. Always follow the guidance of your doctor when starting an exercise program.



Your weight and lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking, can also affect your cholesterol levels. Quitting smoking and drinking in moderation or not at all can help improve cholesterol.



Finally, some people have high cholesterol due to their genes. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, you might have an increased risk of developing it, even you eat a low-fat diet and avoid other risk factors.



How Cholesterol Affects the Heart



When you have high levels of LDL, cholesterol can build up in your blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The buildup makes the arteries hard and narrow, which limits the amount of blood that can flow through them.



Atherosclerosis can increase your risk of other heart issues, such as angina (heart pain), coronary artery disease, and heart attack. It also increases the risk of stroke and sudden cardiac arrest, which can be fatal.



What You Can Do About High Cholesterol



Since there's no way to know if you have high cholesterol without a blood test, the first thing to do is see your doctor and schedule bloodwork. Based on the result of that bloodwork, your physician will make recommendations.



In some cases, making lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, exercising more, and quitting smoking can sufficiently reduce your cholesterol levels. If you're overweight or obese, your doctor might recommend weight loss.



Even with lifestyle changes, some people will need medications to help lower their LDL levels. Your doctor might prescribe a statin to reduce your LDL levels and your risk of a heart attack or stroke.



Based on how you react to the statins, other medications might be available to help you get your blood cholesterol levels within the normal range.