What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in the body’s bloodstream and cells. The body needs a small amount of cholesterol to stay healthy.
Here are a few interesting facts about cholesterol:
- There are two types of cholesterol, low-density and high-density
- Aids in digestion
- Helps produce Vitamin D, certain hormones, and bile acid
- Produced by the liver
The two types of cholesterol
Knowing your cholesterol levels and numbers is important because high cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream via lipoproteins and cholesterol numbers are calculated by finding the ratio of protein to these fat proteins. This number shows if cholesterol levels are low or high.
When considering your overall cholesterol health, the place to start is understanding the two different types of cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol: Low-density lipoproteins are made up of high levels of fat. This is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in the arteries. It makes up 60-70 percent of the total body.
HDL cholesterol: High-density lipoproteins are made up of high levels of protein. This is sometimes referred to as “good” cholesterol because this type absorbs the extra cholesterol from the body. It makes up 20-30 percent of a person’s total cholesterol level.
Triglycerides are another type of fat found in the blood and in food. They are not the same as cholesterol but need to be watched because it also contributes to heart disease risk.
Defining high cholesterol
High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is when blood cholesterol levels are higher than they should be. The reason high cholesterol affects the heart is too much cholesterol builds up in the arteries, resulting in plaque that narrows the arteries and limits blood flow. This thickening or hardening of the arteries is called atherosclerosis.
A doctor may recommend a lipid panel or lipid profile which is a type of blood test that reveals the amount cholesterol and other fats in your blood.
What affects cholesterol levels?
Certain factors may increase your risk of unhealthy cholesterol levels.
- Eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats and cholesterol
- Being overweight or obese
- Being too sedentary or not engaging in regular physical activity
- Getting older
- Genetics or family history
- Changes to LDL levels due to menopause
How to manage high cholesterol
Anyone can check cholesterol levels. Visiting with your primary care physician about lifestyle habits and diet can be a good starting point to determine personal risk and a plan for addressing any concerns. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the following may help:
Tips for managing cholesterol
- Visit with your primary care physician to check your cholesterol levels. You may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test and give a blood sample.
- Take a look at your diet, especially reading ingredients for the types of fats found in a food. Red meats, pork, beef, processed meats, heavy creams, and whole milk are just a few examples of foods to avoid. Limit the amount of saturated and trans fats you eat. Consume omega-3 fatty acids, as well as fiber-rich fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
- Lose weight. Adults who are overweight or obese can reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol by losing just 3%–5% of current weight.
- Stay active. Regular exercise may help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. Aim for 30 minutes per day if possible.
- Stop smoking. Smoking contributes to overall poor health and higher risks for cardiovascular disease.
- Manage medications. Work closely with your doctor or primary care physician to decide which medicine, or combination of medicines, is best for you. Discuss side effects and any ongoing concerns. Take medications as prescribed and avoid changing dosages without first consulting your doctor.
Work with your healthcare team
It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider when managing high cholesterol. Be sure to ask questions and get clarification about things you do not understand. Finding the right treatment will involve making lifestyle changes, which may include medications.
Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your health care provider before beginning any new fitness or dietary plan. References provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources. Should you have any health-related questions, you should contact your health care provider.
Sources
1. “Your Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol With TLC,” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, last accessed Oct. 12, 2022,
2. “What is Blood Cholesterol?,” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, last accessed Oct. 12, 2022,
3. “Cholesterol Levels,” National Library of Medicine - MedlinePlus, last accessed Oct. 12, 2022,
4. “High cholesterol,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed Oct. 12, 2022,