What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance produced by the body's liver. Cholesterol is also produced by certain foods you eat. Our body utilizes cholesterol to create acids that digest food and to produce hormones and certain vitamins. Two well known forms of cholesterol are: Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). LDL cholesterol is the bad cholesterol and HDL is the good cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol can attach to the walls of your arteries causing a buildup called atherosclerosis. This can lead to the hardening of the arteries and reduces the blood flow to the heart. Over time heart disease will develop in the form of chest pain (angina) and eventually a total blockage will cause a heart attack. HDL cholesterol seeks out the bad cholesterol and removes it from your body. It is important to maintain low levels of LDL and high levels of HDL cholesterol.

Screening and cholesterol testing with regularity is vital for monitoring your cholesterol health. Early detection can dictate how to control and treat your cholesterol issues. Steps to address bad cholesterol levels include a change in diet, an exercise program and sometimes the need for medication. MSN Health & Fitness provides you all the knowledge you need to learn about and control your cholesterol.