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About High Blood Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body. It is
needed for the body to function normally and is found in all cells of
the body. Your body makes enough cholesterol for its needs.
Cholesterol is carried in the blood in particles called lipoproteins.
These particles are made up of cholesterol on the inside and protein on the
outside. There are two kinds of lipoproteins:
- Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): These are the major type of
lipoprotein that carries cholesterol in the bloodstream to the body.
These are the type that can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in the
arteries and lead to heart disease.
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL): These particles carry
cholesterol back to the liver to remove it from the body. Higher levels
of HDL are considered good.
An excess of either total or LDL cholesterol in the blood is a risk for
heart disease and atherosclerosis. People can have an excess of cholesterol
because of diet and because of the rate at which cholesterol is processed in
the body. Most of the excess cholesterol comes from diet. Cholesterol can
build up on the artery walls of your body. This buildup is called plaque.
Over time, plaque can cause the arteries to become narrow, which is called
atherosclerosis. As a result, less oxygen–rich blood can pass through. When
the arteries that carry blood to the heart are affected, coronary artery
disease can result. A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes
completely blocked. A coronary artery can become blocked either by plaque
buildup or by a plaque that ruptures or bursts which causes a clot. Angina
can also develop because of plaque buildup. Angina happens when the heart
does not receive enough oxygen–rich blood.
High blood cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, so many people may
not know that their cholesterol level is too high. Simple blood tests can be
done to check your total, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and other types of
fats in the blood (such as triglycerides). If it is found that your
cholesterol is high, your doctor may prescribe various treatments depending
on your risk for developing heart disease. These include lifestyle changes
such as diet, weight control, and physical activity. Certain drugs can
also be prescribed to manage your cholesterol. Lifestyle changes are usually
still recommended with medications. All people can do things to help keep
cholesterol within the normal range.
Page last reviewed: November 8, 2007
Page last modified: November 8, 2007
Content source: Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion
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