Cholesterol Basics

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that is found in your body and many foods.  Your body is capable of making all the cholesterol you need.  In fact, the body requires cholesterol to function properly. 

If you consume too much cholesterol, your body will collect and deposit cholesterol.  When cholesterol accumulates in your vessels, it creates "plaque".  These plaque deposits cause narrowing and hardening of the vessels.  This narrowing restricts blood flow, and in the case of restricted blood flow to the heart, chest pain.  If the vessel is completely blocked, a heart attack occurs.

Plaque Build Up in Artery from the NHLBI Diseases and Conditions Index

What are risk factors for high cholesterol? 

• The trump card is genetics.  If you have family members with high cholesterol, you may be genetically predisposed to high cholesterol as well. 
• Age, weight, diet and physical activity levels are also risk factors.
• Diabetes.  High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the inner lining of the body's vessels.  This damage creates an easy foothold for plaque to attach.

What can you do to lower your cholesterol levels?

• Talk with your healthcare provider about testing your fasting cholesterol levels.  You and your provider can discuss different treatment options, such as medication and lifestyle changes if your test results are not optimal.
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
• Increase your physical activity levels.
• Don't smoke.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar within optimal levels.

Stay tuned for more cholesterol basics!