Cholesterol is a substance that is waxy and fat-like.
It circulates through your blood, so all of your cells have cholesterol.
The liver can make all the cholesterol your body needs to function.
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Dietary cholesterol enters your body from the foods you eat.
Only foods made from animal sourceslike meat or dairyhave cholesterol.
This is calledatherosclerosisand may cause heart disease, such ascoronary artery diseaseif the arteries become narrow and clogged.
The liver can break down the extra cholesterol.
A healthy amount of HDL in the blood can protect you from heart disease and stroke.
However, HDL cannot remove all the excess cholesterol in your body.
LDL
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)is considered bad cholesterol.
LDL also moves cholesterol in your body.
VLDL
Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)is also considered bad cholesterol.
It can lead to plaque forming in your arteries.
You may not have any symptoms of high cholesterol, so you should follow the guidelines for monitoring cholesterol.
Children at high risk may also need to start having their cholesterol checked at the age of 2.
Talk to your healthcare provider to find the right monitoring schedule for you.
The blood test measures your:
What Are Healthy Cholesterol Levels?
Healthy cholesterol levels depend on your age and other factors.
You will get results measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Foods that are high in cholesterol are also high in trans and saturated fats.
Trans and saturated fats can make your liver produce more cholesterol.
This can cause high cholesterol levels in your blood.
A diet high in cholesterol and fats can increase your LDL cholesterol levels.
Talk to your healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan for you.
Diet
Changing your diet is an important lifestyle modification that can help lower cholesterol levels.
You want to focus on a heart-healthy diet that is easy to follow.
Being physically active may lower LDL and triglycerides while raising HDL.
Medications to Lower Cholesterol
There are medications that can lower cholesterol, such as statins.
They can prescribe other medications that may not have the same side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HDL cholesterol?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol functions to help clear fats from your bloodstream.
As a result, it is known as the good cholesterol.
What is LDL cholesterol?
LDL particles transport cholesterol around the body.
Can you tell if you have high cholesterol without a blood test?
The only way to definitely determine if you have high cholesterol is through ablood test.
A Word From Verywell
It is important to understand cholesterol and how it affects your body.
Also talk to your practitioner if you have any questions or concerns about cholesterol, testing, or treatment.
American Heart Association.What is cholesterol?
American Heart Association.HDL (good), LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Blood cholesterol.
MedlinePlus.Cholesterol levels: what you’re gonna wanna know.
