Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of your body. Despite its bad reputation, cholesterol is essential for life — your body uses it to build cell membranes, produce hormones (including estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D), manufacture bile acids for digesting fats, and insulate nerve fibers. Your liver produces all the cholesterol your body needs, but you also get cholesterol from animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy.

When people talk about "high cholesterol," they're typically referring to elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) in the blood. LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can deposit cholesterol in artery walls, contributing to atherosclerosis. HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the arteries and transport it back to the liver for disposal.

High LDL cholesterol is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A blood test called a lipid panel measures your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Your doctor uses these numbers, along with other risk factors, to assess your cardiovascular risk and determine whether treatment is needed.

Understanding your cholesterol numbers is one of the most practical steps you can take for cardiovascular health. If your doctor has recommended a lipid panel or discussed your cholesterol levels with you, knowing the difference between LDL and HDL — and what the numbers mean — empowers you to participate in treatment decisions.

For many people, lifestyle modifications alone can bring cholesterol to healthy levels. The Mediterranean diet, regular aerobic exercise, weight management, and not smoking all favorably influence cholesterol levels. When lifestyle changes aren't sufficient, statin medications are highly effective and have decades of evidence supporting their safety and efficacy.