Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the fat cells of the body and
in the bloodstream. It helps the body function by building a “protective
barrier” around the cells called a membrane. When cholesterol is too
high, it can cause risk factors for other diseases to increase.
Risk Factors
• Age
For Men age 45 or greater
For Women age 55 or greater
(premature menopause without
estrogen)
• Family history of coronary
heart disease
• Smoking
Two types of Cholesterol
• Hypertension
There are two types of cholesterol. They are high-density
lipoproteins (HDL) and lowdensity lipoproteins (LDL). HDL
cholesterol carries build up away
from the heart and back to the
liver where it can be reused by
the body. It is known as the “good
fat”. HDL cholesterol protects
against heart attacks because
it keeps LDL cholesterol from
building up around the heart.
• Diabetes
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Low HDL cholesterol
• High LDL cholesterol
• Inactivity
Know your Numbers
• Total cholesterol—Below 200
milligrams per deciliter is
desirable
• HDL cholesterol
4
Below
40
milligrams
per
LDL cholesterol is carried through
deciliter
is
low
the blood stream and to the heart.
and
increases
your
risk
When too much LDL cholesterol
4 Above 60 milligrams per
builds up, it causes blockages in
deciliter is high and reduces
the big tubes (arteries) that carry
your risk
blood to the heart. This damages
the heart and over time can lead
• LDL cholesterol—(However,
to a heart attack or stroke. LDL
target level depends on your
is known as “bad fat”. When LDL
history and risk factors) usually
cholesterol is too high a person is
less than 100 milligrams per
diagnosed with high cholesterol.
deciliter