Cholesterol is a fatty wax-like substance naturally found in all humans' bloodstream and cells. It is used by the body to produce cell membranes and some hormones; however, too much cholesterol in the body can cause heart attacks and strokes. The two main types of cholesterol are LDL, or bad cholesterol, and HDL, or good cholesterol.
Where Does Cholesterol Come From?
Cholesterol comes from a person's body and from the food they consume. Seventy-five percent of the cholesterol in a person's body is produced by the liver and other cells. Twenty-five percent comes from food.
Good Cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good form of cholesterol. High levels of this cholesterol protect against heart attack while low levels increase the risk of heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, most medical experts believe that HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries and removes excessive cholesterol.
Bad Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, too much of this cholesterol circulating in the blood can build up in the walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain, forming hard deposits that narrow the arteries, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.
Cholesterol Levels
Desirable levels for the two main types of cholesterol are less than 100 mg/dl for LDL and more than 60 mg/dl for HDL.
Prevention and Treatment
The American Heart Association suggests that people needing to lower their total cholesterol and LDL counts should eat a healthful diet, not be overweight, participate in regular exercise and not smoke. If these do not lower your counts, there are cholesterol-lowering drugs that can be prescribed by your physician.
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