Cholesterol

Cholesterol is soft, waxy-like substance that's found among the fats in the bloodstream and in your body's cells. While your body requires and manufactures it's own cholesterol to develop and repair cells, aid digestion and produce certain hormones, having too much cholesterol in the blood may be a risk factor for heart disease. Fatty deposits, or plaque, can build up along the inside walls of blood vessels and block the flow of blood to the coronary arteries.

Good & Bad Cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotien (LDL) often referred to as bad cholesterol, LDL cholesterol tends to accumulate and build up in artery walls, causing a blood clot, block the blood flow to your heart, and cause a heart attack or stoke.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a good kind of cholesterol in that it carries harmful cholesterol away form the arteries. This helps to protect you from a heart attack.

Triglycerides are fat and found in foods such as butter, vegetable oils and chocolate.

How can I lower my bad cholesterol?

A healthy lifestyle can lower your bad cholesterol - eating healthy,  losing weight, staying active, stop smoking, and limit your fat intake.

What should my cholesterol levels be?

Taking a small blood sample from a finger is a common way to determine cholesterol levels. It can then be tested to measure your cholesterol levels.