Cholesterol information: high cholesterol, lowering cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like substance typically found in all human bodies to help with digestion, hormone production, and the creation of Vitamin D. When cholesterol levels rise, often the end result of not eating properly, the chances of having a heart attack or heart disease increase. When cholesterol accumulates in a person's arteries it creates a hard plaque that builds up on the arterial walls known as atherosclerosis. To ensure that your cholesterol levels are at a healthy range, the National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that adults over 20 years of age receive cholesterol checks every 5 years from their doctor. This is important given the lack of outward symptoms. People with high cholesterol often times have no idea about the serious health risks until it's too late. During most cholesterol check ups, the doctor will check a person's total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and your triglyceride levels.

Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is measured in milliliters per deciliter of blood and determines the total level of cholesterol in a person's blood stream. Having less that 200 mg/dl is healthy but anything above 240 mg/dl is considered to be high.

LDL Cholesterol
Low density lipoprotein is also referred to as "unhealthy" cholesterol because of its ability to build up in arteries, form plaque, and eventually, harden arteries. The formation of a clot in the artery can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

HDL Cholesterol
High density lipoprotein is also referred to as "good" cholesterol because high levels can reduce the likelihood of a heart attack, but low levels may increase the odds of a heart attack. HDL works to clear the arteries of cholesterol and carry it back to the liver.

Triglycerides
Triglyceride is a form of fat made in the body. Elevated triglycerides can be found in people who are overweight, physically inactive, smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol and have a diet very high in carbohydrates.

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Cholesterol information: high cholesterol, lowering cholesterol