|
|
Cholesterol is a soft,
fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in all your
body's cells. It's normal to have cholesterol. It's an important
part of a healthy body because it's used for producing cell
membranes and some hormones, and serves other needed bodily
functions. But too high a level of cholesterol in the blood is a
major risk for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack.
It's also a risk factor for stroke. Hypercholesterolemia is the term
for high levels of blood cholesterol.
You get cholesterol in two
ways. Your body makes some of it, and the rest comes from
cholesterol in animal products that you eat, such as meats, poultry,
fish, eggs, butter, cheese and whole milk. Food from plants — like
fruits, vegetables and cereals — doesn't have cholesterol. Some
foods that don't contain animal products may contain trans-fats,
which cause your body to make more cholesterol. Foods with saturated
fats also cause the body to make more cholesterol.
Cholesterol and other fats
can't dissolve in the blood. They have to be transported to and from
the cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. There are two
kinds that you need to know about. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL,
is known as the "bad" cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol can clog
your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as the "good"
cholesterol. Your body makes HDL cholesterol for your protection. It
carries cholesterol away from your arteries. Studies suggest that
high levels of HDL ch
|
|