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Trusted Information for a healthier you
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food. Your body makes cholesterol naturally, and it is also found in some foods.
Having too much cholesterol in your blood can contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries. Over time, this may increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Understanding your cholesterol levels can help you take steps to protect your cardiovascular health.
Cholesterol travels through your blood attached to proteins called lipoproteins. Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly, but having unhealthy levels of certain types of cholesterol can increase cardiovascular risk.
A cholesterol test, often called a lipid panel, can measure several important blood fats.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called “bad” cholesterol because high levels can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol away from the bloodstream toward the liver for processing.
Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. High triglyceride levels can be associated with increased cardiovascular risk, particularly when combined with other unhealthy lipid levels.
Total cholesterol is a measurement that reflects the amount of cholesterol in your blood and includes cholesterol carried by different lipoproteins.
A lipid panel may include:
Measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
Often called “bad” cholesterol because higher levels can contribute to plaque buildup.
Often called “good” cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol toward the liver.
Another type of fat in the blood that may be included in a lipid panel.
Represents cholesterol carried by several types of lipoproteins other than HDL.
The meaning of your cholesterol numbers depends on your overall health, age, medical history, and cardiovascular risk. Your healthcare professional can help determine what levels are appropriate for you.
Several factors can influence cholesterol levels, including:
Some factors, such as family history and genetics, cannot be changed. However, lifestyle changes can help improve cholesterol levels for many people.
Cholesterol is usually checked with a blood test called a lipid panel or lipid profile.
The test may measure:
Measures the amount of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in your blood.
Measures the amount of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in your blood.
Reflects the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
Measures another type of fat found in the blood.
Your healthcare professional will interpret the results together with your other health information and cardiovascular risk factors.
Healthy lifestyle habits can support healthy cholesterol levels:
Some people may need medication in addition to lifestyle changes, depending on their cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk.
High levels of LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup inside the arteries. This process, known as atherosclerosis, can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Managing cholesterol is therefore an important part of maintaining heart and blood vessel health.