Cholesterol Overview

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in fats (lipids) in the blood. While your body needs cholesterol to continue building healthy cells that have high levels of cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease.

When you have high cholesterol may develop fatty deposits in blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits make it difficult for enough blood flow through the arteries. Your heart does not get enough oxygen-rich blood it needs, which increases the risk of a heart attack. Decreased blood flow to the brain can cause a stroke.

High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) can be inherited, but is often preventable and treatable. A healthy diet, regular exercise and medications can sometimes go a long way toward reducing high cholesterol.