The Cholesterol Connection

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood, also called a lipid, that is naturally produced by your body. Whether it comes from the foods you eat or from your body, healthy amounts of cholesterol in your blood are okay. The problem is that when there’s too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up in the walls of your arteries and form plaque.

Over time, plaque can clog and narrow your arteries, which may slow blood flow and reduce the supply of oxygen to your vital organs. This process of plaque development is made worse when the lining of your arteries, known as the endothelium, is damaged by other risk factors like high blood pressure, stress, cigarette smoking, or diabetes.

Understanding Cholesterol

There are three components that are important to managing your lipid profile: LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

• LDL cholesterol (LDL-C)
  LDL-C is called “bad” cholesterol because it plays a role in the development of plaque in your arteries. When there is too much LDL-C circulating in the blood, it can begin to collect in and on the artery walls, which may lead to atherosclerosis. As a rule, you want to keep your LDL-C low.
• HDL cholesterol (HDL-C)
  HDL-C is considered “good” cholesterol because it helps return cholesterol to the liver, where it can be removed from the body. As a rule, you want your HDL-C high.
• Triglycerides
  Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. Increased levels of triglycerides have been linked to an increased risk for heart disease. As with LDL-C, it's important to keep triglycerides low.

Getting Your Cholesterol Tested

You can’t feel it or see it. So how do you know if you have high cholesterol? The only way to know for sure is by having a cholesterol screening test, also known as a fasting lipid profile. It’s a simple blood test that can be performed in your doctor’s office or in a lab. Talk with your doctor about your cholesterol, and then get tested.

Managing Cholesterol

If you have a cholesterol problem, there are a number of options you can discuss with your doctor. The first suggestion will most likely be to improve your diet and get more exercise. This can help you lose weight, have more energy, reduce stress and blood pressure, and control diabetes if you are diabetic. As always, talk with your doctor before starting a new diet or exercise program.

For some people, diet and exercise aren’t enough. If you’re in this category, be sure to ask your doctor about your options, including cholesterol-lowering medications.

Key Risk Factors

Cholesterol is just one risk factor that can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis.

Learn more about key risk factors »

What You Can Do

Looking for information on what you can do to reduce the risks for coronary heart disease, stroke, and other athero-related conditions?

Sign up for the Athero IQ Program »