HANDLING CHOLESTEROL

What is cholesterol? - Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced by the human body and is also found in animal products. Some cholesterol is needed for cells to function. Unfortunately, excess cholesterol builds up inside the arteries. Cholesterol deposits (arteriosclerosis) are the major cause of heart attacks and strokes.

The amount of cholesterol in your blood is a good predictor of your risk for heart disease and stroke, along with how much you smoke, how high your blood pressure is, your family medical history, and whether you have diabetes. The higher your cholesterol level, the higher the risk. However, not all cholesterol is bad.

Good cholesterol - Fat travels through your bloodstream attached to protein in a combination called a lipoprotein. Two lipoproteins are the main carriers of cholesterol: low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL).

LDL acts like a fat delivery truck. It picks up cholesterol from the liver and delivers it to the cells. When more cholesterol is ready for delivery than the cells can take, LDL cholesterol drops off the extra cholesterol on the artery walls. A lot of LDL cholesterol in your blood increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.